Namayingo woman remanded for setting granddaughter ablaze over mukene theft
On the fateful day, Akodai, who was staying with the victim and other children, had prepared food, and after lunch, she preserved some Mukene for supper. She left home for her personal business, and on her return, she found the sauce was eaten. Upon asking what had happened, the other children reported that the victim had consumed the sauce.
The young girl who was burnt by her grandmother for allegdly stealing food at the office of the Namayingo probation officer. (Photo by Doreen Musingo)
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The chief magistrate's court in Namanyingo district has remanded a 48-year-old grandmother for setting ablaze her granddaughter over theft of mukene (silver fish) reserved for supper.
Appearing before the chief magistrate, the accused pleaded guilty and was remanded to Buyinji Prison until 14th/05/2026 pending the probation and social welfare report.
Busoga East Police region spokesperson Micheal Kasadha said the woman has been identified as Marget Akodai, and her granddaughter is eight years old.
The child sustained serious burns on both hands and cheeks and was rushed to a nearby clinic for first aid.
They are both residents of Mugabe village in Budoma parish in Bukana sub-county, where the incident happened on May 3, 2026, at about 10:00am.
On the fateful day, Akodai, who was staying with the victim and other children, had prepared food, and after lunch, she preserved some Mukene for supper. She left home for her personal business, and on her return, she found the sauce was eaten.
Upon asking what had happened, the other children reported that the victim had consumed the sauce.
Akodai, who was angered, tied the girl with ropes, collected banana leaves and set her ablaze.
He noted that the neighbours saw the girl burning and crying loudly due to pain called LC1 chairperson Obadiya Wajuri, and they came to her rescue.
“The chairperson reported the matter to Bukana sub-county Police station, who caused her arrest. Later, Namayingo Police Station called for the file to be taken to court.
Bulamu Gonza, the senior probation officer for Namayingo district, told court that while in custody, when they asked for the whereabouts of the father to the victim, Akodai said she didn’t know.
Bulamu said the girl is currently staying with the sister to the mother as they look for a safe home to care for her.
“We can’t let the girl go back home because she will not be safe, for the time being she is staying with the auntie as we look for a safe place for her to be accommodated and cared for,” he noted.
He noted that cases of child abuse are rampant in the district, with three so far reported this year. He added that this one was brought to light because of the awareness about child rights by the chairperson, adding that many cases go unreported, while others hide and treat victims from their homes.