By Adonis Byemelwa
Muleba, Kagera: The tragic fate of a two-year-old albino child abducted 19 days ago has sent shockwaves through the Muleba District in Kagera. Found wrapped in a burlap sack with mutilated body parts, the brutal killing of Asimwe Novath has intensified demands for justice and heightened calls for better protection of people with albinism. This horrific incident has stirred the community’s outrage and underscored the urgent need for action against such barbaric crimes.
Asimwe was forcibly taken from his mother’s arms on May 30, 2024, in Bulamula Village, Kamachumu Ward, Muleba District, Kagera Region. Speaking on Monday, June 17, 2024, Muleba District Administrative Secretary Benjamin Mwikasyege confirmed the recovery of the child’s body, noting that some of his body parts had been mutilated.
“The child’s body was found under a culvert on the Makongora road, in Kabyonda Hamlet, Balele Village, Ruhanga Ward, Muleba District. We discovered the body with several missing body parts. The police will conduct a thorough investigation, and we will identify the culprits,” said Mwikasyege.
Expressing his outrage at the brutality, Mwikasyege urged residents of Balele and the surrounding areas to cooperate with the police to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. “Residents should not fear speaking out. I assure you; the police will capture those responsible for this heinous act and the abandonment of Asimwe’s body,” he stated.
Robert Mugabe, the Councilor for Ruhanga Ward, received initial reports from a good Samaritan about a foul odor emanating from under the culvert. He urged residents to investigate, leading to the grim discovery.
“A good Samaritan informed me about a strange smell coming from the culvert on the Ruanga-Makongora road. When residents inspected the area, they found human remains and immediately notified the police and other government authorities,” Mugabe explained.
The mother of the deceased, overwhelmed by grief, was unable to comment on the tragic news. However, Vestina Richard, 23, the deceased’s aunt, spoke on behalf of the family.
She expressed deep sorrow and condemned those responsible for the atrocity. “The family strongly condemns this act. We urge the police to expedite their investigation and ensure those found guilty face the full force of the law,” said Vestina.
Eginas Rugemalila, the Regional Secretary for the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS) in Kagera, voiced his concerns following the incident. Rugemarila called for immediate government action to enhance the protection and security of people with albinism.
“This incident has not only caused panic but also heightened fear within the albino community, especially with the upcoming local government and general elections in 2025.
We are extremely anxious; we don’t know where the killers are. TAS is requesting a meeting with the Regional Commissioner to discuss our security during this period,” he stated.
Acting Kagera Regional Police Commander Yusuph Daniel, when contacted by Mwananchi, promised to provide detailed information about the suspects soon. Previously, the police had confirmed the detention of four individuals, including Asimwe’s father, Novath Venant, in connection with the child’s disappearance.
Reports from the NGO Under The Same Sun, which advocates for the rights and welfare of people with albinism, highlight the ongoing dangers faced by this community.
According to their records from September to December 2010, and July to September 2018, violent attacks, mutilations, and grave desecrations targeting albinos due to superstitious beliefs began being reported in the mid-2000s. These incidents often involve the belief that the body parts of albino individuals possess magical properties.
In response to these threats, the government, in collaboration with various organizations, established protective camps for albinos, including Kabanga (Kigoma), Buhangija (Shinyanga), Mitindo (Mwanza), Pongwe (Tanga), Kitengule (Tabora), and Mugeza (Kagera). Some people with albinism, including children, started returning home as security improved.
However, safety for people with albinism remains precarious. From 2015 to 2019, no new incidents of violence against albinos were reported, until November 2, 2022, when Joseph Mathias, a 50-year-old resident of Ngula in Kwimba District, Mwanza Region, was murdered, and his arm was severed by unknown assailants.
Another incident occurred on May 4, 2024, in Katoro, Geita Region, where ten-year-old albino child Julius Kazungu narrowly escaped death after being attacked with a sharp object.
Under The Same Sun reports that in Tanzania and East Africa, one in every 1,400 people has albinism. This genetic condition leaves individuals with little to no melanin in their skin, hair, and eyes, making them vulnerable to various health issues and, tragically, superstitious violence.
The unearthing of Asimwe’s mutilated body has reignited fears and calls for stronger measures to protect albinos. As the community mourns this tragic loss, there is a renewed urgency for government and societal action to ensure the safety and rights of all people with albinism are upheld. The authorities’ swift response and the community’s cooperation will be crucial in preventing further atrocities and bringing justice to Asimwe’s family.
