Nakivale (Uganda) : a refugee decapitated, the possibility of witchcraft raised

SOS Médias Burundi

Nakivale, May 28, 2025 – A gruesome scene shook the Nakivale refugee camp in southwestern Uganda. The lifeless body of a woman, unidentified at this stage, was discovered headless in a valley in the village of Isangano, located in the Base Camp area, the urban heart of the camp.

According to initial reports, unknown assailants killed the victim before decapitating her. “It’s a shame her head hasn’t been found yet!” marveled a witness who helped law enforcement transport the body to the morgue at Nyarugugu Health Centre III.

The identification of the deceased has not yet been confirmed. “We are waiting for a resident to report the disappearance of a family member,” explained a local leader. In the meantime, the police say they have opened an investigation.

Witchcraft suggested

Although the motives for this sordid murder remain unknown, several residents have raised a disturbing possibility : witchcraft. “Those who suffer such acts are often accused of being witches. It has become a means of settling scores here,” confided a neighbor.

The village of Isangano, where the crime took place, is described by the police as one of the most dangerous in the camp. It is predominantly populated by Hutu refugees from Rwanda, who fled in 1994. In recent years, several violent incidents have been reported there.

Call for an end to the violence

In a message to residents, the police strongly condemned this act of mob justice. “Anyone involved in this type of crime will be severely punished. In the event of social conflict, contact the courts or the administration,” they said.

This call is supported by many camp residents, who are calling for greater security and justice. Nakivale, located in the Isingiro district, is now home to more than 140,000 refugees, including nearly 33,000 Burundians.

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A refugee in a small vegetable field next to her home in Nakivale camp, Uganda (SOS Médias Burundi)