Residents of Masindi Municipality were left in shock after a man previously believed to have died was found alive just hours after his alleged burial.
The man, identified as Godwin Baguma, a resident of Kijura Central Cell in Central Division, had been reported missing for several weeks, causing anxiety among his family and the community.
According to relatives, Baguma—who is said to have a mental health condition—disappeared without informing anyone, prompting a search by family members.
The situation escalated over the weekend after police reportedly recovered a decomposing body from a sugarcane plantation in Kisanja Cell on Friday. The body was taken to Masindi Hospital mortuary, where public announcements were made for families with missing persons to assist in identification.
Baguma’s father, Yakobo Kamuturaki, said the family was later informed and sent relatives to the mortuary, where they viewed the body and concluded that it was their missing son. Following this identification, burial arrangements were made, and funeral preparations began.
However, during the mourning process on Monday, reports emerged that Baguma had been seen alive in Kihanguzi village, Labongo Sub-county, Masindi District.
Baguma’s sister, Jane Birungi, said family members rushed to the area and confirmed he was indeed alive. He was then returned home, bringing the funeral proceedings to an abrupt and unexpected halt.
Police have since confirmed the incident and launched investigations to establish the identity of the body that was mistakenly buried.
Solomon Mugisa, acting police spokesperson for the Albertine North region, said the body has since been exhumed and returned to Masindi Hospital mortuary for further examination.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to clarify how the mistaken identification occurred.