Police launch manhunt for jilted lover who severed wife’s hand in Ibanda

Police in Ibanda District have initiated a manhunt for a man identified only as Alexi, who is accused of brutally severing his wife’s right hand.

The incident, which has shocked the local community, occurred on Sunday, August 25, in Bufunda 1 Cell, Bufunda Ward, Bufunda Division, Ibanda Municipality.

According to Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Region Police spokesperson, the attack was allegedly motivated by suspicions of infidelity.

“It is alleged that on August 25, at around 5:00 PM, Alex attacked Catherine Mbabazi and cut off her right hand with a panga on accusations that she was engaged in an extramarital affair,” Kasasira said.

Following the attack, Mbabazi was rushed to Kasande Clinic in Ibanda Municipality, where she is currently receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, police are actively searching for Alex, who fled the scene immediately after the incident.

This horrific case is the latest in a troubling series of violent attacks between lovers in Uganda, raising concerns about the growing trend of domestic violence fueled by jealousy and mistrust.

In July 2023, a man in Mukono District attacked his wife with a machete, leaving her with severe injuries, after accusing her of infidelity.

Earlier that year, in March, a similar incident occurred in Luweero District, where a man fatally stabbed his girlfriend after suspecting her of cheating.

In another case, in November 2022, a woman in Masaka District poisoned her husband and then attempted to take her own life, driven by suspicions of infidelity.

These incidents highlight the pervasive issue of domestic violence in Uganda, often triggered by jealousy and suspicions of extramarital affairs.

The police continue to urge couples to seek peaceful resolutions to their conflicts and to avoid taking matters into their own hands.

The police in Ibanda have called on the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of Alexi, emphasizing the need for community cooperation in tackling domestic violence and ensuring justice for the victims.