Ibanda District | THE BLACK EXAMINER | The Territorial Police in Rwizi Region and Ibanda District are actively investigating a case of suicide involving a 35-year-old businesswoman. She took her own life, alleging that her pastor had embezzled Shs 16 million from her savings.

SP Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Regional Police Spokesman, confirmed the incident and identified the deceased as Scovia Akankunda, also known as Nalongo. She worked in Ibanda Central Market and resided in Kafunjo Cell, Bufunda Ward, Bufunda Division, Ibanda Municipality, Ibanda District.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the deceased, a member of Depth Ministries Church led by Pastor Bukenya Daniel, had entrusted her savings to him. They had agreed that he would safeguard her money and return it whenever she needed it.

Over time, her savings reportedly reached Shs 16 million. However, when she requested her money from the pastor, he claimed that she had only saved Shs 800,000.

Upon facing this discrepancy, the deceased reported the matter to the Police at CPS, Ibanda, on November 6, 2023.

Mr. Kasasira explained that when the pastor was contacted, he did not respond to her calls. Subsequently, the deceased was advised to seek legal resolution in civil courts, as the matter was deemed civil in nature.

Despite this advice, the following day, the woman returned to the pastor. Faced with the same situation, she decided to consume poison in front of him. She was rushed to the nearest clinic, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The police conveyed the deceased’s body to Ruhoko Health Center 4 Mortuary for a postmortem examination as investigations into the matter continue.