David and Deborah Mutaaga had spent over 30 years living and working in Switzerland. They had built a good life abroad, raised a family, and were finally ready to retire. They sold their home in Zurich for over KSh 3.5 billion. Their plan was to return home to Uganda and settle down in peace.
Little did they know, the return to Uganda was a death sentence.
David had a long and successful career in computer science. He studied at the University of Zurich and worked at top companies like Swisscom, Swissline, and Credit Suisse. He became vice president at Credit Suisse and received a good retirement package. He was respected for his skills and lived a comfortable life with his wife, Deborah.
When they came back to Uganda, they built a beautiful mansion in Entebbe in just three months.
It was supposed to be their retirement home.
Once the house was complete, David and Deborah Mutaaga invited family and friends over to celebrate. They ate and drank with their guests, not knowing it would be their last.
Only hours later, on the night of July 6, the couple was murdered in cold blood.
David’s body was found at the gate. Deborah’s was found in the bathroom. Their housemaid found the bodies. Neighbours said they had heard strange noises that night.
Police say there were signs of forced entry. CCTV footage showed intruders climbing over the wall and later leaving through the main gate. Investigators also found a broken window and a tampered roof. The killers are believed to have used sharp weapons. Two casual workers from the home were arrested for questioning.
Some people believe the attack was planned. It may have been connected to land or inheritance problems. David was the heir of their ancestral land and had stopped some relatives from selling it. Some of those relatives were poor and wanted money.
The couple’s children, Isabel Najitta and Mark Ernest Kabenge, live abroad. They did not come to Uganda for the memorial or burial because they feared for their safety. They were worried that the same people who killed their parents might try to harm them too. During the service, they gave touching tributes through a video call, saying their parents only wanted peace. They also suggested that a close relative may have been involved in the murders.
The memorial took place at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala. Because the police were still investigating, the couple’s bodies had not been released for burial. The service happened without coffins. Instead, two large portraits stood at the front of the church, surrounded by flowers. The event was shown live on TV. Candles were lit as mourners cried and prayed for justice.
The Mutaaga-Nabeta family later released a statement confirming the deaths and asking for privacy. They said the police are still investigating and asked people not to spread rumours or jump to conclusions.
The Mutaagas had hoped to enjoy their old age at home, give back to the community, and spend time with family. But their lives were taken in a cruel and heartbreaking way. The investigation is still going on, and their children are still asking for justice.
By Vivian K.