Police in Kasangati, Wakiso District, have begun a full investigation into the sudden and tragic death of Senior State Attorney Fatuma Bbuye Nabiwemba, whose lifeless body was discovered in her house in Wampeewo on the evening of Thursday, July 10.
Nabiwemba, 47, was a respected legal officer who served as an Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). According to initial reports, she was last seen alive on Monday, July 7. For days afterward, her home remained unusually quiet until neighbors began noticing a strong odor and flies gathering around the house. Concerned by the strange silence and foul smell, they broke into her residence, only to make the grim discovery.
Her body was found lying motionless on her bed and was already in a state of decomposition. According to police, there were no visible signs of injury on her body, and she appeared to have died days before she was found.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Police Spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan area, confirmed the incident on Friday. In his statement, he said, “The deceased was discovered inside her residence in Wampeewo, Kasangati Town Council, where she lived alone. The body showed no external injuries.”
Police were officially alerted around 8:36 p.m. on Thursday by Hamuza Kabanda, a driver from the DPP’s headquarters, after neighbors notified authorities of the discovery. Officers from Kasangati Police Station arrived at the scene shortly afterward and began a detailed forensic examination of the premises.
During the search, detectives recovered several personal items that may help piece together the circumstances surrounding Nabiwemba’s death. One particular item of interest was a document from Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, suggesting that she may have been receiving mental health care before her death.
At this stage, police have not ruled out any possibility. Investigators are considering a range of causes, including natural death, suicide, or other factors that could have played a role. For now, the body has been taken for a postmortem examination to determine the actual cause of death.
Authorities have not yet released a formal statement on what the next steps will be, but police say inquiries are ongoing and further updates will be shared with the public as soon as more details are confirmed.
The news of Nabiwemba’s death has shocked many across Uganda’s legal and justice community. She was known as a hardworking, experienced prosecutor who had risen through the ranks over the years. Her sudden passing has left a deep sense of loss among her colleagues at the DPP’s office and the people of Wakiso District.
As investigations continue, police are urging the public to avoid speculation and allow detectives time to gather facts and evidence. The authorities are also urging anyone with useful information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
This tragedy has not only raised questions about the final days of a senior public servant but also about the growing mental health challenges facing professionals in high-pressure government roles. It is still unclear how her recent medical history may be connected to her death. Still, the presence of a document from Butabika hints that Nabiwemba may have been struggling silently.
For now, the community waits for answers, and those who knew her mourn a woman who dedicated her life to justice, but whose final moments remain clouded in mystery.