By Mariam Nanyanzi
WAKISO.The body of a female returnee from Saudi Arabia has been found concealed in a travel bag inside a house in Masajja Kibira B Village, Masajja Division, Wakiso District.
Police are hunting for her boyfriend, whom they suspect may have information about her death.
Lillian Katusiime’s body was discovered by an inquisitive neighbour who noticed the deceased’s boyfriend removing property from her house. The neighbour questioned him about Katusiime’s whereabouts after she had been missing for several days.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Ms Rachael Kawala, said the neighbour insisted on accompanying the deceased’s boyfriend into the house to establish what had happened, but the suspect fled.
“The neighbours got involved and checked the house only to find the body of the deceased packed in a travel bag in the house. Police were called and detectives confirmed the death of Katusiime,” Ms Kawala said.
Katusiime’s body was taken to Kampala Capital City Authority mortuary for a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.
The 34-year-old had recently returned from Saudi Arabia where they work as housemaids popularly known as Kadama in Arabic . She rented a two-roomed house in Masajja Kibira B Village, where she also operated a retail business dealing in drinks, mobile money services, popcorn and other assorted merchandise.
According to police, she is said to have fallen in love with her boda boda rider, who occasionally visited her at home.
Last week, Katusiime reportedly disappeared. Her neighbours became concerned because she usually informed them whenever she travelled.
On Monday, her boyfriend turned up at the residence and started packing household items and equipment from the shop.
“A neighbour, who operates a business near the deceased’s shop, reportedly noticed that the deceased’s boyfriend was removing several items from her shop, including a refrigerator, drinks and other merchandise. This raised suspicion, particularly because the deceased had not been seen around for some time,” Ms Kawala said.
When the neighbour asked Katusiime’s boyfriend about her whereabouts, he said she was sick and had been admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The neighbour insisted that the boyfriend open Katusiime’s house so they could see what was left inside, but the man fled the scene, raising further suspicion.
“Upon gaining access to the house, the occupants discovered the deceased’s body concealed inside a large travelling bag. The body had reportedly been folded, tied and placed inside the bag alongside clothes in an apparent attempt to disguise it as ordinary luggage,” Ms Kawala said.
Police officers later arrested a man who had allegedly helped the suspect transport items from the scene to another location.
Ms Kawala said the arrested man was assisting police with investigations and efforts to recover the property.
She said efforts to trace the suspect or suspects were ongoing.