This archive report was first published on 11 January 2020.
On January 11, 2020, a bizarre incident unfolded in Kayunga District, Uganda, leaving a community in shock. Mr. Mohammed Mutumba, a resident of Kyampisi Village, had exchanged marriage vows with his 'wife,' Ms. Swabullah Nabukeera, in an Islamic culture or Nikah ceremony.
However, their marriage was short-lived, as Nabukeera claimed she was menstruating and the couple spent two weeks without consummating their union. But it was not just the lack of intimacy that would eventually lead to the breakdown of their marriage.
Mr. Mutumba's neighbor reported that Nabukeera had jumped over a wall and stolen their television set and clothes. Detectives were dispatched to arrest Nabukeera, who was found wearing a hijab and sandals at the Kayunga Police Station.
During the search, police discovered that Nabukeera had stacked clothes in her bra to deceive them into thinking she was a woman. Further search revealed that Nabukeera had male genitals. The news shocked Mr. Mutumba, who asked to see Nabukeera's private parts to confirm the discovery.
On discovering the truth, Mr. Mutumba accused Nabukeera of being a thief. Police later interrogated Nabukeera, who revealed his real name as Richard Tumushabe, 27. Tumushabe confessed to duping Mr. Mutumba into thinking he was a woman in order to get his money.
Mr. Mutumba, an Imam of Kyampisi mosque, had met Tumushabe at the mosque and fallen in love with him. He had paid dowry to Tumushabe's alleged aunt, Ms. Nuuru Nabukeera, which included two goats, two bags of sugar, three busuutis, a carton of salt, and a Koran.
The police are now looking for pictures of their wedding ceremony to further pin Tumushabe. The case file has been sent to the Resident State Attorney for perusal, and the police are waiting for legal advice before taking Tumushabe to court.
