Police in Buikwe District have arrested Ronald Kirya in connection with the suspected murder of his partner, Esther Mulelenge, whose body was reportedly concealed in a septic tank for more than two years.
Mulelenge had been living with Kirya in a house entrusted to them by Lydia Nandutu, who had travelled to Poland for work. The house, located in Kizungu Zone, Njeru Municipality, was handed back to Nandutu on September 11, 2024, upon her return from abroad.
During a thorough cleaning of the property, including the septic tank, Nandutu and her newly recruited maid stumbled upon heavy clothing in the tank. Closer inspection revealed the presence of a human skull.
“We raised an alarm which brought neighbors to the scene. The police were called and, after a search, they uncovered human bones. We now believe these remains belong to Esther, who Kirya claimed had left him and married another man,” Nandutu stated.
Following the discovery, local residents apprehended Kirya and handed him over to the authorities.
Ssezibwa Regional Police spokesperson, Hellen Butoto, confirmed that Kirya will face murder charges if DNA tests confirm the remains are those of Mulelenge.
However, even if the DNA results show otherwise, Kirya will still be held accountable for the body found on the premises he managed since 2021 and will be required to disclose Mulelenge’s whereabouts.
