Mitooma woman remanded over allegedly forcing stepson to swallow 46 needles

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MITOOMA – The Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Mitooma district has remanded a woman to prison over allegations that she forced her eight-year-old stepson to swallow 46 sewing needles and broken pen pieces over a period of eight months.

Juliet Tushabeomwe appeared before Mitooma grade one magistrate Gibson Muhangi on charges of aggravated torture and attempted murder.

The prosecution alleges that between August 2025 and April 28, 2026, at Rweibare II Village, Kyanzire parish in Kashenshero town council, Mitooma district, Tushabeomwe intentionally and unlawfully forced the minor, identified as Samuel Akamumpa, to swallow sewing needles and broken pieces of pens, reportedly using porridge.

“Your charge is aggravated torture. It is alleged that you, Tushabeomwe Juliet, between August 2025 and April 28, 2026, at Rweibare II in Mitooma District, intentionally and unlawfully forced Akamumpa Samuel, 8, to swallow 46 pieces of sewing needles and broken particles of pens,” Magistrate Muhangi said during the court session.

Court heard that the child is currently admitted at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in critical condition after sustaining severe internal injuries.

The accused denied both charges. She pleaded not guilty and rejected the allegations.

“I have never used or seen any pen ever since I got married,” she told court.

Juliet Tushabeomwe, who is accused of forcing her eight-year-old stepson to swallow 46 sewing needles and broken pen pieces over a period of eight months. (Photo by Bruno Mugizi)

The State Prosecutor, Caroline Kesubi, informed court that investigations into the matter had been completed.

Although the accused said she had sureties ready to support her bail application, they were not present in court at the time of hearing.

Magistrate Muhangi entered a plea of not guilty on both charges and advised the accused of her right to apply for bail. He, however, remanded her to Mitooma Prison until June 11, 2026, when the case will return for mention.

Child undergoes surgery

Sources close to the investigation allege that the suspect wrapped the needles in paper before forcing the child to swallow them, at times giving him porridge to ease the swallowing.

Police in Mitooma arrested Tushabeomwe on May 1, 2026, after she reportedly attempted to flee following medical scan results that revealed metallic objects in the child’s stomach. She was detained at Mitooma Central Police Station to assist with investigations.

According to preliminary Police findings, the child had suffered severe abdominal pain for nearly two weeks before his aunt, Eunice Birungi, took him for medical attention.

Medical examinations at Gava Imaging Centre and Ishaka Adventist Hospital, including X-ray and CT scans, revealed multiple metallic objects lodged in the child’s stomach.

He was later referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where he underwent surgery and remains admitted in the paediatric ward receiving specialised care.

Medical sources indicate that 46 needles have so far been removed, while further treatment may continue depending on his recovery.

Family tensions cited

Investigations indicate that the child had been living with his stepmother following the separation of his biological parents.

Sources further allege that tensions arose after the suspect became unhappy with the boy communicating with his biological mother.

The child’s father, Simon Twinomugisha, reportedly told investigators that the conflict started when the suspect opposed the child speaking to his mother.

“My wife did not want my son to speak to his mother. She would tell me to stop him or she would chase him away to go to his mother,” he said.

Leaders condemn the act

Mitooma District Deputy Resident District Commissioner Umar Muhanguzi condemned the alleged incident and urged the public to report child abuse cases promptly.

“We condemn this alleged act of violence against a child and urge the public to report suspected child abuse cases without delay,” he said.