Directorate of Forensic Science to Carry Out DNA on Skulls Found in Shrine

The Directorate of Forensic Science (DFS) has taken the lead in the investigations of 17 human skulls found at a shrine of the suspected murderer of Ndiga clan leader Eng Daniel Bbosa on February 25, 2024.

Lujja Tabula is suspected of having hired men who shot to death Eng Bbosa in Lungujja, Rubaga Division, in Kampala over Ndiga clan leadership wrangles. For years, Lujja had allegedly wanted to dethrone Eng Bbosa to the extent of dragging him to Buganda kingdom court which ruled in his favor.

Eng Bbosa challenged the Kingdom’s court’s ruling by seeking the final verdict on the matter by Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. Eng Bbosa was killed before Kabaka Mutebi delivered his final decision on the matter.

Last week, 17 human skulls were found at his shrine in Mpigi district. They were discovered by children collecting firewood who saw metallic cases piled in a pit and alerted local leaders. Upon excavation, four metallic cases were found piled with human skulls. 

DFS working alongside the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) has embarked on investigations to establish the victims of the 17 human skulls. DFS’s task is now to establish the DNA identities of the victims and the source of the skulls. 

“We’re not only examining the 17 human skulls but we’re conducting DNA tests for everything collected from the shrines. We are hopeful that if we get DNA results, it could be a starting point for establishing who was Tabula’s clients and we could arrive at information on who the 17 victims were and how they died,” a senior police source said. 

Hassan Kasibante, Mpigi RDC, said the 17 human skulls recovered from Tabula’s shrine mean investigations must be wide to identify how the victims died. “It is no longer a case of Tabula alone, but a case for everybody who was coming to his shrine. We need to know how these skulls came to the shrine. If we get any information leading us to we will be able to get the true information,” Kasibante said. 

Bruno Sserunkuuma and Bashir Ssebuuma, who are Tabula’s neighbors in Mpigi, said Tabula was always jovial, calm, and friendly. The duo said it was a shock for them to learn that he had allegedly orchestrated Eng Bbosa’s murder.

On Friday, Mpigi police and Mpigi RDC Kasibante used a bulldozer to excavate the entire shrine with the hope of finding more human remains but in vain. 

Karim Majid, the Katonga regional police spokesperson said Tabula’s shrine is now regarded as a crime scene and investigations have been widened with the view of finding his clients.