Decomposed body found in Mukono Drainage

Residents of Lower Nabuti Village in Central Division, Mukono Municipality, were left in shock on Tuesday after construction workers uncovered a badly decomposed human body buried in a trench along Lweza Road. The discovery was made by workers from China Communication Construction Company, who were clearing ditches and opening a drainage channel as part of ongoing road works in the area.

An eyewitness said the body was first noticed after a grader struck what appeared to be human legs buried in the soil. “The grader was clearing the ditch when the blade hit the legs. That’s when we raised an alarm, and people came to see what was happening,” the worker said. When uncovered, the remains were found partially buried and in an advanced state of decomposition. 

Only the lower limbs were initially visible, clothed in short trousers and black shoes. Residents said there was no strong smell at the scene, possibly because the body had been concealed under soil for some time. Police from Wantoni Police Post responded quickly, later reinforced by officers from Mukono Police led by ASP Dison Ngobi. A search of the trench and surrounding area did not yield additional remains or immediate clues.

Authorities say the identity of the deceased is still unknown. Residents have since offered differing theories. Some believe the body may have been dumped at the site after being killed elsewhere, while others suspect it could have been carried by floodwaters from upstream areas in Nabuti, which is known for draining debris during heavy rains. The area, which hosts a busy washing bay, small shops, a church, and a nearby stone quarry, has raised concern among residents who say no one previously reported any unusual smell or suspected activity. 

Mukono Municipality Councillor Augustine Romeo described the discovery as disturbing and condemned the growing habit of dumping waste in drainage channels, warning that such practices can conceal serious crimes. Area Chairperson Fred Magero said he learned about the incident while returning from church and urged residents to remain calm and report any missing persons to police.

“We need to look out for each other, especially when people are moving around at night or in isolated places,” he said, adding that no missing person cases had been reported in his area recently. Police have appealed to the public to provide any information that may assist in identifying the deceased. 

The body was transported to Mulago National Referral Hospital for postmortem examination, including possible DNA analysis to determine identity and cause of death. Investigations are ongoing, with police not ruling out foul play as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The discovery has heightened concerns over safety and drainage management in Mukono Municipality, with residents calling for improved monitoring of public spaces to prevent similar cases in the future.