Two Witch Doctors Arrested Over Suspected Ritual Sacrifice

Two self-proclaimed witch doctors are in custody in connection with the suspected ritual sacrifice and child trafficking of a 13-year-old boy in Jinja City. The arrest took place on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The victim, identified as Hassan Nabikamba, was a pupil at Jinja Twins and Nursery Primary School located in Buwagi Central Cell, Buwagi Ward, Northern Division, Jinja City. 

He was the son of Umaru Kiganda, also known as Michael Muledu Kiti, a 34-year-old resident of Namusiisi Village in Nawandala Sub-County, Iganga District. His mother, Sylvia Alaso, had reported the boy missing in March 2025 after he failed to return home from school while staying with his aunt. Following the report made at Budondo Police Station, the Regional CID Officer, Dr. Monday Johnson Agaba, directed a swift and prosecution-guided investigation into the case. 

Investigators later uncovered disturbing evidence pointing to a suspected ritual sacrifice allegedly carried out by the boy’s biological father, Umaru Kiganda, and his accomplices. The ritual was reportedly intended to gain wealth and supernatural powers, as part of an ambition to become the most powerful witch doctors in East and Central Africa. After the incident, Kiganda fled and went into hiding but was later tracked down by security teams.

A search conducted at his residence in Nawandala Sub-County recovered a pair of black trousers believed to have been worn by the victim on his last day at school. The second suspect, Zeda Kanakulya, 48, also a self-proclaimed witch doctor, was arrested from Kyomya East Cell in Buwagi Ward, Northern Division, Jinja City. Authorities say more suspects are still at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend them. Available evidence links both arrested individuals directly to the crime.

Dr. Agaba assured the public that justice would prevail in this case, echoing sentiments drawn from the successful prosecution of a similar case in Kakira Town Council. In that 2021 case, four-year-old Isabella Trinity Nakisuyi Nabirye was murdered by self-styled pastor Joseph Sserubiri and his girlfriend Felista Namaganda. The two were convicted in August 2023 and sentenced to life imprisonment for ritual sacrifice and 30 years for child trafficking.

They are currently serving their sentences at Kirinya Prisons. In response to the recent incident, Kiira Regional Police spokesperson SP James Mubi confirmed on Friday, April 18, 2025, that the Regional Police Commander (RPC) Kiira, SSP Charles Nsaba, had formed a joint security team to profile and audit all witch doctors operating in the region. The initiative aims to eliminate criminal elements exploiting traditional practices for illegal activities. 

Authorities have reiterated that ritual sacrifice is condemned by all holy books and violates the sanctity of human life. Such acts not only go against religious teachings but also contravene fundamental human rights, including the right to life and protection from cruel and inhuman treatment.