The Kamwenge Grade One Magistrate for Kamwenge, Ahimbisibwe Innocent, has today remanded gospel singer and politician Levi Amarakutunga, along with four others, to Katojo Government Prison.
The five individuals will remain in custody until April 14, 2025, as they face charges of murder.
Amarakutunga and his co-accused are alleged to have been involved in the murder of 4-year-old MariaTrina Ainomugisha, the niece of Amarakutunga, in a suspected ritual sacrifice.
The police in Kitagwenda District arrested Amarakutunga in connection with the tragic incident, which occurred in Nyaruhanda Village.
Amarakutunga, who also serves as a male councilor representing persons with disabilities, is said to have been directly involved in the events leading to the child’s death.
According to a police statement issued on March 19, the young girl went missing on March 16, 2025, after she was sent to a neighbor’s house.
Her body was discovered the following morning in a nearby bush.
A K-9 unit was deployed by authorities, and the investigation led to Amarakutunga’s home, located approximately 300 meters from the crime scene. During the search, a suspected panga with bloodstains was reportedly found near the location.
Further searches at Amarakutunga’s residence uncovered additional pieces of incriminating evidence, including a bucket of water containing blood-stained clothes and blood splatters on a wall, reinforcing suspicions of his involvement in the crime.
The case sparked shock in the community, with investigations ongoing as authorities work to uncover more details.
Amarukutunga is known for his songs like Nibikorwa Mukama, Mukama Ndikusiima Nta, Nyentsya Yaawe, Omugihsa Gwomuntu among others. He is also the director at Nyabihoko Parents Primary School.
Investigations on fake pastors
Amarakutunga’s arrest occurs against the backdrop of ongoing investigations into fraudulent religious leaders suspected of using Christianity as a cover for criminal activities.
Previous reports have implicated some pastors in ritual killings, extortion, and witchcraft practices, raising serious concerns about the exploitation of followers.
In 2019, police launched an inquiry into fake pastors following intelligence reports suggesting that some were involved in human sacrifices to acquire supernatural powers. Despite several arrests, the outcomes of these investigations have yet to be publicly disclosed.
The ongoing inquiries highlight the need for greater scrutiny of religious practices and the potential misuse of faith for criminal purposes.
