The Territorial Police in Kyotera District have arrested 23-year-old Harriet Amanyire, accused of causing the death of her lover, Reagan Karamaji, 28, by cutting off his genitals last Friday over a suspected extramarital affair. The couple resided in Kabaawo cell, Mutukula Town Council, Kyotera District, south-central Uganda.
The Greater Masaka Regional Police spokesperson, Mr. Twaha Kasirye, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, stating that Amanyire was apprehended at the Mutukula border while attempting to flee to Tanzania.
“They had a simple quarrel Sunday night after returning from a nearby bar, and the lady picked a kitchen knife and cut off the boyfriend’s genitals,” said Mr. Mujaasi.
“We managed to apprehend the suspect at the Mutukula border as she was trying to escape to Tanzania,” added Mr. Kasirye. “She is now in our custody at Kyotera police station, and we are conducting thorough further investigations to ensure justice is served to the family of the deceased.”
Amanyire, a former employee at the Fortebet branch in Mutukula, allegedly attacked Karamaji after a domestic dispute, suspecting him of cheating with another woman. The two had been living together for seven months after Karamaji’s wife left for work abroad in the United Arab Emirates.
Kato Ssenyonga, the landlord of the deceased who witnessed the incident, recounted the events leading up to the tragedy, stating the couple seemed happy when they returned before the fight ensued.
“They came home happy, but shortly after, we heard screams for help,” Ssenyonga said, adding that a pool of blood marked the spot where Karamaji was found.
He criticized the area police for their slow response, highlighting the lack of proper transportation as officers arrived on motorcycles, hindering their ability to rush the victim to the hospital.
Karamaji’s neighbours described him as a person with no known bad behaviour, but Steven Mugarura, the chairperson of Kasanvu ward, blamed the increasing violence on alcohol abuse and moral decadence. “Drunkenness and apostasy are significant contributors to such violent acts,” he stated.
This incident marks the second in less than two months where a jilted woman has severed her partner’s genitals after a family dispute.
Last month, on June 10, 2024, Susan Namuganza, 35, cut off the genitals of her husband, Moses Kawubanya, 45, and robbed him of an unspecified amount of money before fleeing their home in Busana Zone, Nabirumba Ward, Kamuli District. Namuganza was later arrested, charged, convicted, and jailed for 15 years.
