Ugandan police say they have recovered the body of a woman who went missing during a deadly robbery attack in central Uganda last week, days after her husband was found murdered at the couple’s residence in Kassanda District.
In a statement issued on Thursday (June 8, 2026), police said the body of Mariza Regina was discovered on July 8 in neighbouring Kyaseta Village, where it had been partially buried in a garden. Officers said the remains were in a decomposing state.
According to police, Regina and her husband, Joseph Ssali, 48, were attacked during the night of July 2 at a rural property in Lukira Village, Myanzi Sub-county, where they worked as caretakers for a local farmer identified as Lukwago.
Police said the attack was discovered the following morning after neighbours noticed cattle from the property wandering unattended and alerted local leaders.
Residents who searched the compound reportedly found signs of a break-in and a struggle before following bloodstains to a nearby coffee plantation, where Ssali’s body was found.
Investigators said Ssali appeared to have been killed with sharp and blunt objects, believed to include a machete and a hammer.
Police said the attackers allegedly stole cash and seven sacks of coffee before fleeing. Regina was unaccounted for after the attack, prompting an extensive search involving detectives and local residents.
A police canine unit was deployed but was unable to track the suspects because officers arrived after a significant delay, police said.
Preliminary investigations suggest the assailants used motorcycles to travel to and from the scene.
The discovery of Regina’s body has turned the case into a double homicide investigation.
Police have not announced any arrests. In the statement, Wamala Regional Police spokesperson SSP Racheal Kigozi said detectives were continuing investigations and were working to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Authorities have not disclosed a definitive motive. While investigators believe property was stolen during the attack, police said they are examining all circumstances surrounding the killings.
