Saved from irate mob, Wakiso woman arrested over child torture

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A 31-year-old woman in Wakiso district has been arrested over allegedly torturing a 12-year-old boy.

The victim, a Primary Six pupil, sustained "serious burns on his chest and back" after suspect Winnie Nakimbugwe reportedly poured hot water on him for reasons not known yet.

In a statement, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said the incident happened on Wednesday (August 20) at around 2:50pm in Nkungulutale, Kajjansi town council.

"A mob attempted to lynch Nakimbugwe, but she was rescued by the area chairman and later arrested by police officers from Nakawuka Police Station," said Onyango.

He added that a case of child torture has been opened, and Nakimbugwe is being held pending interrogation.

“Statements have been recorded from relevant witnesses, and inquiries into the matter are still ongoing."

There have been similar cases of child torture reported in different parts of the country.

In March this year, for instance, Police in Kasangati town council in Wakiso arrested Jamila Namugerwa over aggravated torture of her three-year-old stepchild. The victim’s father was also arrested.

The child, who suffered serious burn wounds, was handed over to the Wakiso probation officer, who was tasked with looking for an appropriate place of refuge for the child.

Police said they had examined the child and had discovered she also had healing scars, a sign she had been tortured many times by her parents.

“Physical abuse of children is a crime. We warn all parents and guardians who beat children to stop the abuses,” Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy spokesperson, said at the time.