By Davis Mugabi

A grandmother in Makindye Division, Kampala has died along with her granddaughter in a manner that has left locals disturbed.

The deceased has been identified as Faridah Manutosi, 47.

Namutosi, a 47-year-old housewife, was found dead by hanging in her single-roomed house made of timber and supported by metallic poles. Her 9-month-old grandchild, Jemima Karungi, was also found dead on the floor of the same room.

It is alleged that Namutosi had been looking after Karungi, along with her 8-year-old stepson, Sekyanzi Shakuru, while her husband, Saddam Hussein, was at work. According to witnesses, Namutosi sent Sekyanzi out to play as she prepared tea. However, when he returned, he found his step-grandmother hanging from a metallic pole in the room by a piece of cloth. He alerted his mother, Edita Karuhanga, who rushed to the scene and discovered the tragic news that Karungi had also passed away.

Initial observations suggest that Namutosi may have first strangled Karungi before taking her own life.

Kabalagala Police Station dispatched a team of officers who visited the crime scene and have now recorded statements from witnesses. 

The bodies of Namutosi and Karungi have been taken to City Mortuary Mulago for a postmortem.

“At this time, the motive for this tragedy is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing,” Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire said in a statement.