Couples eliminating spouses in domestic brawls – New Vision Official

POLICE | DOMESTIC | VIOLENCE

KAMPALA – Between September 18 and 21, 2022 three people murdered their spouses following domestic brawls. 

These, according to Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga particularly resulted from adultery, jealousy and disagreements that would otherwise be resolved amicably.  

Police have in the recent past continued to register several cases of murder resulting from domestic violence, which they described as a worrying trend that puts the institution of marriage in a bad light. 

Notable among them is a quarrel that ensued between a couple identified as Isaac Onek, aged 20 and Rebecca Tino, 22, who was residing in Acutayiki cell, Te-ibu ward, Agulu division in Apac Municipality.  

It is alleged that on September 19, 2022, Onek, a painter and Tino got into a fight after Onek questioned the paternity of one of the children.  

“The local council chairperson tried to prevail over the matter and in the process, Tino Rebecca picked a piece of firewood from the fireplace and hit her husband on the head. He unfortunately collapsed and was rushed to Apac Main Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” he explained, adding that the suspect Tino is still on the run.  

On September 18, 2022, a one Odongo James, a 46-year-old, charcoal dealer, returned to his home at Olik village, Odate parish, Atanga sub county in Pader district, and caught his wife, Akumu Hellen, a 53-year-old, red-handed with another man in their bedroom.  

“A scuffle ensued and the man escaped leaving behind his trouser. The charged husband picked a stick with pointed nails and inflicted grave injuries on his wife, who collapsed and died.

The suspect got dry grass and burnt the lower body of the deceased. He thereafter, went and reported himself to the chairperson LCI and was handed over to Atanga Police and detained,” Enanga told journalists.  

In another incident that happened in Akworoo village, Aketa parish in Katakwi district, one Gideon Ekinyang, a 34-year-old peasant allegedly murdered his wife Hellen Atingu also a peasant aged 26 after she threatened to leave him.  

The couple had developed a misunderstanding at a local bar in Akwooro Trading Centre. He later tried to fake her death to strangulation but a post-mortem report revealed that she had been murdered.  

Controlling anger  

Hillary Irimaso, a psychiatrist and the general secretary Uganda Psychiatric Association explained that there is no such anger that can lead to death adding that people who find themselves in such extreme situations should undergo mental health assessments.  

“Under normal circumstances, a normal person should be able to control their anger and find other coping mechanisms or mitigating measures. But once you find that you cannot control the anger then you might be mentally ill,” he said.