A quiet neighborhood in Nyenga Division became the center of a horrifying discovery this week as police arrested former Jinja City Education Officer Amina Mutesi for her alleged role in the ritual killing of 26-year-old Jesca Mutesi. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, exposing what investigators call a carefully planned murder disguised as a job opportunity.

The nightmare began in April but only came to light in mid-May when Jesca, a resident of Masese II, was reported missing by her family. What started as a search for a missing woman quickly turned into a murder investigation with chilling details. According to Kiira Region Police spokesperson James Mubi, Jesca fell victim to a cruel trap set by individuals posing as labor recruiters.

“They promised her casual work in Njeru and even gave her transport money,” Mubi explained. “But instead of taking her to a job, they led her to Amina Mutesi’s home near Bugungu Prison.” That was the last time anyone saw Jesca alive. Police say she was strangled that same night and secretly buried in the compound of the former education officer’s residence.

Three suspects are now in custody, all reportedly confessing to the crime and identifying Amina Mutesi as the mastermind. As investigators prepare to exhume Jesca’s body following a court order, the case has drawn national attention – not just for its brutality but because of the prominent figure at its center.

Mutesi, who was suspended from her government position in 2022, was already facing corruption charges for allegedly embezzling 1.4 billion shillings. While police haven’t officially confirmed the killing as ritual sacrifice, they’re investigating possible connections to witchcraft, particularly whether it was an attempt to influence Mutesi’s ongoing legal battles.

“What we know for certain is this was a premeditated murder carried out through deception,” Mubi stated, careful not to jump to conclusions about the motive.

For Jesca’s family, the revelations have been devastating. “She left home full of hope,” a relative told local reporters, struggling to hold back tears. “We never imagined someone would take advantage of her willingness to work and end her life this way.” Friends and neighbors remember Jesca as a humble, hardworking young woman whose bright future was cut short by unimaginable cruelty.

The case has reignited concerns about ritual killings in Uganda, where vulnerable individuals – often women and children – continue to disappear under similar circumstances. Despite the 2021 Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act, which imposes harsh penalties including death sentences for such crimes, the practice persists in some communities.

As investigators piece together the final hours of Jesca’s life, authorities are urging the public to be cautious about job offers from strangers and to report suspicious activities. Meanwhile, a grieving family prepares to finally lay their loved one to rest, their loss highlighting the urgent need to address the dangerous beliefs that continue to claim innocent lives.

The arrest of a former government official in connection with such a brutal crime has particularly shaken public trust. As the case moves forward, many are watching to see whether this will become a turning point in Uganda’s fight against ritual violence or just another tragic story in a disturbing pattern. For now, a community mourns while waiting for answers about why Jesca had to die – and whether those responsible will truly face justice.