Police in central Uganda are investigating the suspected murder of a 46-year-old government teacher whose body was discovered tied and hanged inside his home in Lwengo District, officials said Monday.

The victim, identified as Dennis Mutebi, was a teacher at Kyangwe Primary School and also served as treasurer for CBS POWESA, a regional education support organisation in the Masaka sub-region.

His body was found on Sunday in his bedroom in the Western Zone of Kinoni Town Council, according to local leaders. Police said he appeared to have been tied with ropes and hanged from the headboard of his bed, in what residents described as a brutal and baffling attack.

"We were shocked to find our neighbour murdered in such a brutal manner," said Richard Ssembatya, the area’s LC1 chairperson.

He added: “This is the first time something like this has happened in our village. We demand justice.”

Police said the motive remains unclear. A motorcycle and several sacks of dried coffee beans were found untouched in the house, ruling out robbery as an immediate cause, residents said.

Mutebi’s brother, Joseph Ndawula, urged authorities to prioritise the investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

“We are heartbroken, and we call upon the police to find those responsible for this terrible act,” he told journalists.

District Youth Councillor Annet Nambalirwa described the slain teacher as a peaceful and respected member of the community.

“Mutebi was a lively and peace-loving individual. His death is not just a loss to his family but to the entire education community. We must not rest until justice is served,” she said.

Police led by ASP Ronald Gume retrieved the body and transported it to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. No arrests had been made by Monday morning, but police said inquiries were ongoing.

The killing has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised fresh concerns over the safety of rural educators and residents.

Uganda has experienced occasional violent crimes in recent months, with civil society groups urging law enforcement to bolster community policing and intelligence-led investigations.

Authorities have appealed to the public to share any relevant information that could assist in identifying the assailants.