Society Gist Editor
Ude Emmanuel
A peaceful retirement dream ended in tragedy when an elderly Ugandan couple, who had spent over three decades living and working in Switzerland, were brutally murdered in their home after recently relocating back to Uganda. The shocking incident, which took place in a quiet rural village, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of returnee diaspora citizens.
The victims, identified as Mr. and Mrs. David and Sarah Kaggwa, had returned to Uganda just under a year ago to settle in their newly built retirement home in the outskirts of Mityana District. Known for their humility and generosity, the couple had long spoken of their desire to return home after raising their children and retiring from their respective careers in Europe. They envisioned a peaceful life filled with community service, farming, and reconnecting with their roots.
But that dream was cut short last weekend when neighbors alerted local authorities after noticing that the house had remained unusually quiet for over 24 hours. Upon entering the compound, police discovered the lifeless bodies of the couple, both bearing signs of physical assault and possible strangulation. Early investigations suggest that the attack may have been a robbery gone wrong, although the possibility of a targeted attack has not been ruled out.
Police spokesman Fred Enanga confirmed the killings and stated that a homicide investigation is currently underway. “This is a deeply disturbing case,” Enanga said. “The couple had no known enemies and had only recently returned from Europe. We are treating this as a high-priority case and are following several leads, including reports of suspicious individuals seen around the property days before the incident.”
The news has devastated the local community and the Ugandan diaspora in Switzerland, many of whom remember the Kagggwas as pillars of their church and community. “They were excited about coming home to retire,” said James Ssenoga, a family friend based in Zurich. “They worked hard all their lives and wanted to give back to their homeland. That their lives ended this way is beyond heartbreaking.”
The Ugandan government has expressed condolences to the family and assured the public that the culprits will be brought to justice. However, the incident has reignited debates over the safety of returnees and the broader issue of rural security. Many Ugandans in the diaspora are now questioning whether it is truly safe to return home after years of working abroad.
As the investigation continues, relatives of the deceased are preparing for a burial ceremony that was never supposed to come this soon. The couple is survived by three children, all of whom remain in Switzerland and are expected to travel to Uganda for the funeral.
What was meant to be a season of rest and reconnection has now turned into a moment of mourning—not only for the family but also for a country grappling with rising insecurity in its rural areas. The tragic death of Mr. and Mrs. Kaggwa is a haunting reminder that even those returning with peace and love in their hearts are not immune to the dangers that lurk in the shadows.
