By Peter Luzinda
MASAKA
Police in Masaka are investigating the death of a 16-year-old Senior Four student who went missing over the weekend and was later found dead by the roadside.
The deceased has been identified as Rayati Nassali Nakato, a student at Masaka Secondary School.
According to preliminary police findings, Nakato left her home in Nyendo Township at about 10am on Sunday, August 9, telling her family that she was going to a friend’s home in neighbouring Kako Village to collect revision papers.
At around 4:30pm, she reportedly called her twin sister, Sharifah Babirye, and said she had gone to Nabugabo Sand Beach. Her phone was later switched off, prompting concern among her family members.
On Monday evening, residents travelling along the Nyendo-Kako Road, which connects to Nabugabo Sand Beach, discovered the body of a teenage girl by the roadside. The body was later identified as that of Nakato.
Southern Regional Police spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.
Kasirye said police had observed bruises around the teenager’s neck and were investigating claims that she may have been sexually assaulted before she was killed and her body dumped by the roadside.
Police have not yet established the circumstances surrounding her death or identified any suspects.
Kasirye urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the movements of their children and cautioned them against travelling alone without appropriate supervision.
Nakato’s body was taken to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination as police continue with investigations
