Police have exhumed the body of 50-year-old Jesca Mutesi, who went missing in May. Her decomposing remains were found buried in a shallow grave at a rural home in Buikwe District, shocking residents and prompting a murder investigation.
The body was recovered on Wednesday during a joint operation by Jinja and Njeru officers. It had been wrapped in a sack and buried within a coffee plantation at the home of Amina Mutesi, a former Jinja City Education Officer, in Mbukiro village.
Jesca, a resident of Masese II in Jinja City, reportedly disappeared after being lured by a false job offer. Police say she was invited to Amina’s rural home, where she vanished without a trace until this week’s discovery.
The case took a turn when detectives interrogated Amina and her shamba boy, both now in custody. Under pressure, they led investigators to the exact burial spot within the plantation, confirming long-held suspicions.
Police suspect the killing may have been ritualistic. Kiira Region Police spokesperson James Mubi described the burial as “organised and deliberate,” calling it a heinous act that offends legal, moral, and religious values.
The exhumation drew emotional reactions from local residents and leaders. Moses Bamu, LCIII chairperson of Nyenga Division, condemned the crime as disturbing and heartbreaking, especially given the community’s past trust in Amina.
Jesca’s remains were transported to Mulago City Mortuary for DNA testing and postmortem analysis. Investigators hope the results will further clarify circumstances and aid prosecution.
Police have since reclassified the case from abduction to murder. Ssezibwa Region spokesperson Hellen Butoto confirmed that charges are being prepared against Amina Mutesi, stressing the case will be pursued to its conclusion.
Public outrage has intensified due to Amina’s prior high-ranking government role. Previously interdicted over Shs1.4 billion embezzlement charges, her arrest for murder deepens concerns about integrity within public service. Investigations continue.