Emotions are running high across Uganda as fresh grief grips the nation following the tragic death of Amanya Maclean, the Ibanda Municipal Human Resource Officer, who allegedly died at the hands of her husband, Amwiine Innocent, in a brutal case of domestic violence.
Among the loudest cries echoing through the mourning is the heart-wrenching lament from one of Maclean’s closest friends, whose message — raw, furious, and full of sorrow — was posted to her WhatsApp Status and has since gone viral.
“Dear Maclean, I know you will never see this, but know my heart is torn to pieces. We talked about your husband’s violent nature over Christmas. I assured you the monster would kill you. You didn’t listen and always made excuses for him — and that’s what grips my heart,” the message read.
“I am so angry with you. You could be here. I rebuke you unapologetically. Sad that I can’t, and it is killing me. You should have run for your life and not let the SOB finish you off.”
Her status, shared widely across social media, has ignited a fresh wave of public outrage and mourning.
It’s also deepened the national dialogue on the deadly realities of domestic abuse — and the silence that often surrounds it.
“Your death is a kind reminder to all well-raised girls that it is not compulsory to get married and stay there if things refuse,” the friend continued.
“If a man ever raises his hand on you, even just once, there is that village behind your National ID — run back there alive. A divorced daughter is worth more than a casket in your father’s compound on any day.”
A Dying Declaration
Maclean’s final moments are now central to the ongoing police investigation.
According to her father, Mzee Kapere Ruranga, Maclean made a dying declaration — a legally admissible statement made by someone near death — in which she named her husband, Amwiine Innocent, as the one who beat her.
The statement has intensified calls for swift and unbiased justice, as fears mount over potential political interference.
Amwiine, who serves as the NRM District Registrar for Ibanda, holds a position of influence — one that many worry could compromise the integrity of the investigation.
It has also been reported that yesterday, the Police cordoned off Amwiine’s place in Nyabukikye but he could not be traced as he has already gone into hiding
Burial and Betrayal
Maclean’s body will be laid to rest tomorrow at her father’s home in Bugongi, Sheema District. Her family has rejected any attempts to bury her at the marital home where her life came to a violent end.
“She will return to her people,” Mzee Ruranga said. “She deserves peace where she is loved, not where she was broken.”
Community members and women’s rights activists are demanding justice and a systemic overhaul of how domestic violence cases are handled in Uganda.
A Life of Service Cut Short
Maclean, a respected civil servant, was known for her professionalism and dedication. Her colleagues describe her as diligent, soft-spoken, and committed to public service.
Her violent end stands in stark contrast to the life she lived — one of dignity and quiet strength. Her death has reignited national conversations on gender-based violence and the often-ignored signs of abuse.
As Uganda mourns, one painful truth remains: Maclean’s life might have been saved had society, systems, and loved ones been more empowered — and had she been able to safely leave.
