David Mutaaga: Kids of Couple Murdered after Return from Abroad Eulogise Virtually During Memorial
- David Mutaaga and his wife, Deborah, were living a good life in Zurich, where the former had an impressive career in Computer Science
- His return home made some people angry, and one killed the couple right there in their sprawling mansion in Kampala, Uganda
- After they were murdered, their children, who are based abroad, honoured them virtually during their memorial
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, criminologist Wycliffe Wanjala said retirees asserting control over ancestral land may spark deep-seated family tensions
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Wakiso, Uganda: David and Deborah Mutaaga's kids, based abroad, had to skip their murdered parents' memorial service because of their security.
Source: UGC
The middle-aged couple had been living in Switzerland, where they built a life for themselves for over 30 years, when they decided to return home.
When they returned home, they started living in their huge mansion, with a view of making it there as their retirement home.
At some point, they welcomed their relatives and friends into their home for a meal, and they apparently had a great time.
Only hours afterwards, the couple was murdered in cold blood, with David's body being found at the gate while his wife's body was in the bathroom.
Source: Facebook
Who were the kids of David Mutaaga?
Isabel Najitta Mutaaga and Mark Ernest Kabenge Mutaaga did not travel to Uganda, but they honoured their parents virtually during a memorial.
Unconfirmed reports also indicate they may not travel home for the burials, due to alleged fears for their lives.
"We have learnt that the couple had sold their house located in Unterbuhlenstrasse-29-Uster in Zurich for over KSh 3.5b, no wonder they built their mansion in Uganda in only three months," said Rittah.
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Wycliffe Wanjala, a Kenyan criminologist and conflict resolution expert, explained that when returning retirees block the sale of ancestral land or assert authority over family property, they may unknowingly provoke long-standing frustrations within the kinship structure.
"In many African contexts, land isn't just property; it's legacy, identity, and often the only form of capital available. When returning family members assert control over it, specially after years abroad, they may be viewed as outsiders or barriers to opportunity. These tensions, when unaddressed, can spiral into hostility or even violence," Musalia warned.
Where did David Mutaaga study, work?
Mutaaga studied Computer Science at the University of Zurich, then went on to work at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology for six years.
He left and joined the Swissline company as an Oracle Data Administrator and was later hired by Union Bank of Switzerland as a System Engineer.
In 1998, he joined Credit Swiss First Boston as a senior Oracle consultant and was later elevated to vice president of the same company with an increased salary, amounting to tens of thousands of dollars.
He later joined Swisscom and due to his expertise in technology, he got many job opportunities in big companies in Switzerland and Europe. It's why he was again booked by the Union Bank of Switzerland until he retired with billions of shillings as retirement packages from companies he worked for until 2016.
Back at home, Mutaaga was the heir of their ancestral land and had blocked all efforts of selling off the now valuable land and yet most of his relatives were wallowing in poverty and wanted capital.
David Mutaaga's family releases statement
A few days ago, the Mutaaga family released a statement, confirming the deaths of the couple, and urged the public to accord them privacy as they navigate this time of grief and loss.
"It is with profound sorrow and heartbreak that the Mutaaga-Nabeta families announce the tragic passing of our beloved David Baagala Mutaaga and Deborah Naizuwa Mutaaga," the statement read in part.
The family noted that though there is immense public interest in the case, it is important to wait for complete investigations in order to make any conclusions.
They also said they would not respond to any media inquiries or address any public speculation.
"We ask for your understanding and compassion as we navigate this deeply painful period. We wish to emphasise that the police are actively investigating the matter, and we are fully cooperating with the authorities," they said in this statement.
CCTV shows what transpired at Mutaagas' home
Another story revealed that the Mutaaga's residence is at the centre of a robust investigation by the police and CCTV footage will offer important leads.
The CCTV clip also showed what unfolded on July 6, when the duo lost their lives in a gruesome way.
Investigators also found evidence suggesting there was unauthorised access into the house, including a shattered window and signs of a tampered roof.
Racheal Nyaguthie, HoD Human Interest, added reactions to this story.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
