47-year-old senior prosecutor was missing from work for four days before discovery; the cause of death is yet to be determined
Kampala, Uganda: The sudden death of Fatumah Bbuye Nabiwemba, a senior prosecutor and Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has sparked an active police investigation in Kasangati Division, Wakiso District. The 47-year-old was found dead in her residence in Wampeewo, where she lived alone.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, the incident was reported on Thursday at approximately 8:36 p.m. by Hamuza Kabanda, a driver at the DPP headquarters.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances under which the death occurred,” said ASP Owoyesigyire, noting that detectives and the Division Police Commander were dispatched to the scene.
Missing for Four Days Before Discovery
Initial reports indicate that Nabiwemba had not reported to her workplace for about four days, which prompted concern. When officers entered her home, they found her unresponsive. The body was transported to the City Mortuary for a postmortem examination, the results of which are pending.
“She lived alone and had not been seen in days. Several items were recovered from the residence during the search,” police added.
Sources close to the family confirmed that her children were away at boarding schools at the time of her death.
DPP’s Office Mourns “Committed and Professional” Prosecutor
In an official statement, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions regrets to announce the untimely passing of Ms. Fatumah Nabiwemba, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, which occurred at her residence. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course,” said DPP spokesperson Jacquelyne Okui.
Nabiwemba was widely respected for her dedication to justice, having risen through various ranks in the DPP’s office. She was regarded as a pillar of professionalism and integrity by colleagues.
A Previous Disappearance Linked to Personal Trauma
This is not the first time Nabiwemba was reported missing. In December 2017, she was declared missing and resurfaced two months later, reuniting with her family in February 2018.
Her husband, Ibrahim Sendagire, later disclosed that she may have suffered postnatal depression following the loss of a newborn child. He believed she voluntarily withdrew at that time to cope with her grief.
“She needed time to grieve alone. It was a deeply personal and painful period for her,” Sendagire had told the media in 2018.
Community Reacts with Shock and Grief
News of Nabiwemba’s death has sent shockwaves across Uganda’s legal and human rights communities. Legal professionals and human rights advocates have praised her commitment to the rule of law and called for a thorough and transparent investigation.
Authorities have not ruled out any possibility, and updates will follow upon release of the postmortem report.
No comments:
Post a Comment