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Police hunt mother accused of scalding four-year-old daughter
“The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns all forms of child abuse and torture. We urge parents, guardians and caregivers to protect children and resolve disciplinary matters without resorting to violence,” Kawala said.
Police said investigations into the case are ongoing. (New Vision/Files)
By: Simon Masaba, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - Police have launched a manhunt for a woman accused of severely burning her four-year-old daughter with boiling water in a suspected case of child torture in Kampala.
Addressing journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said the incident occurred on August 1, 2026, at Kyambogo in Nakawa Division, Kampala.
The victim allegedly sustained serious burns after her biological mother, identified as Marcklyn Zabaki, poured hot water from a kettle on the infant.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the child was allegedly burnt with hot water by her biological mother after she accused the child of eating rice in her absence,” Kawala said.
She said the suspect (Zabaki) fled immediately after the incident and police have launched efforts to trace and arrest her.
Kawala condemned the incident, describing it as a disturbing act of child abuse.
She said the suspect (Zabaki) fled immediately after the incident and police have launched efforts to trace and arrest her.
Kawala condemned the incident, describing it as a disturbing act of child abuse.
“The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns all forms of child abuse and torture. We urge parents, guardians and caregivers to protect children and resolve disciplinary matters without resorting to violence,” she said.
Kawala appealed to anyone with information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest to report to the nearest police station or call the Police toll-free lines.
Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.
According to the 2025 annual police crime report, a total of 8,064 cases, representing 4.1% of the total reported cases, constituted child-related offences. These declined from 9,408 cases reported in 2024, giving a 14.3% decrease.
Out of these, 848 cases were taken to court, 176 secured convictions, 68 were dismissed, 06 had acquittals, 598 are undergoing trial, 3,486 were not proceeded with, while 3,730 are still under inquiry.
Kawala appealed to anyone with information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest to report to the nearest police station or call the Police toll-free lines.
Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.
According to the 2025 annual police crime report, a total of 8,064 cases, representing 4.1% of the total reported cases, constituted child-related offences. These declined from 9,408 cases reported in 2024, giving a 14.3% decrease.
Out of these, 848 cases were taken to court, 176 secured convictions, 68 were dismissed, 06 had acquittals, 598 are undergoing trial, 3,486 were not proceeded with, while 3,730 are still under inquiry.