WAKISO — A tragic incident in Mabanda Cell, Gombe Division of Wakiso District has left an 18-year-old student dead after he was allegedly beaten by his girlfriend’s father following a visit on Valentine’s Day. Authorities are investigating the case as police hunt for the suspect, who fled the scene.
The victim, Martin Bukenya, was a Senior Two student at Hillside Senior Secondary School in Matugga and lived in Kirinyabigo, Kawanda Nabweru Division.
On the night of February 14, 2026, he reportedly went to the home of Christine Naziwa, a 14-year-old schoolmate, to deliver Valentine’s flowers — despite earlier warnings from her father, Herbert Lumu, telling him not to return.
Residents said Bukenya had been a frequent visitor at the girl’s home until January, when Lumu allegedly caught him inside and warned him to stay away. “Martin was found sleeping in the bedroom with the girl,” said one neighbour. “We even called the area defence secretary, who counselled the father and instructed the boy never to come back.”
However, on Valentine’s night, Bukenya returned to the house bearing a gift. According to residents and police, the situation quickly escalated after Lumu discovered him inside the home. The father allegedly locked the doors and began assaulting the teenager.
Neighbours said they tried to intervene by breaking down doors and windows to stop the attack. “The beating seemed intentional. There were many other ways to handle the situation,” one witness said, describing how Lumu punched, kicked, and caned the student. By the time police arrived, Bukenya had died from his injuries and Lumu and his family had already fled the area.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawaala confirmed that the victim was pronounced dead while being taken to a clinic and that a manhunt for the suspect is underway. “Efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest him,” Kawaala said. Police are appealing for public assistance to locate and detain Lumu as investigations continue.
Local community leaders have expressed shock and sadness at the violence, condemning the attack and urging authorities to ensure justice is served. The incident has also reignited concerns about family and community responses to adolescent relationships and the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands.
The community is preparing for Bukenya’s burial as police continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to piece together the full circumstances of the fatal confrontation.
