Juvenile Found Hanging from Jackfruit Tree in Kasese

What the report says

Police in Kasese District are investigating the death of a juvenile whose body was found hanging from a jackfruit tree in Kalitusi Cell, Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council. According to Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, the deceased was identified as Claire Akello and was discovered around 1 p.m. on August 25, 2026, near the home of a resident in the area. The body was later taken to Bwera Hospital mortuary for a postmortem as officers continued to examine the circumstances and Akello’s movements before her death.

Nile Post reported that preliminary information suggests Akello may have left her aunt’s home in Kampala and travelled to Kasese in search of work. Police said she first went to Kitholhu Sub-county, where she reportedly struggled to find employment, and later stayed in Rusese Cell for about a week. Investigators are still trying to verify the route she took and what happened after she reportedly left a home saying she was going to look for another job.

The Kasese case came on the same day another child was found hanging in Mbarara District, prompting additional concern. In that separate incident, a 10-year-old Primary Two pupil, Isaac Zamukama, was found dead in Nyantungu Cell, Bukiiro Town Council. Local officials said police were investigating whether a family disagreement may have preceded the death. More broadly, the two cases have heightened concern among local leaders and residents about child safety and mental wellbeing, though police had not yet released final findings in either case.