Two mothers in bugiri have been detained by the police on suspicion of murdering their own sons.
One of the cases involves a 16-year-old mother named Sophia Nangira, who is accused of conspiring with a male acquaintance to kill her one-month-old baby, allegedly to improve their relationship.
Click here to join our WhatsApp group and receive daily news
According to Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, on July 1, 2023, around 5:50 pm, Nangira left her residence with her infant son in order to start a new life with her partner, John Matanta, who resides in Nainaka village, Buwari commercial centre in Bugiri district.
Reportedly, the baby was strangled and buried in a pit latrine at St Jude Primary School in Buwari by the mother and her new partner.
Nangira was subsequently apprehended by the police, while Matanta remains at large.
Enanga stated that the police have also filed two separate defilement cases against the two men who allegedly sexually abused Nangira.
According to the Ugandan Constitution, the legal age for marriage is 18 for girls and 21 for boys. Anyone involved in child marriage can face legal consequences, such as fines or imprisonment.
The law further prohibits children from engaging in any form of sexual activity, whether paid or not.
Violating this provision is considered an offense and can result in a fine or a prison term of up to five years, as specified in Section 8A (I) of the Children’s (Amended) Act of Uganda.
A similar incident occurred in Mitooma district, where Jackline Nuwasiima, a resident of Rwentozo village, Kati parish, Kanyabwanga sub-county, is currently in custody for the suspected murder of her two-month-old son, Absolom Ampumuza.
Enanga reported that Nuwasiima allegedly killed her child and disposed of his body in the Kalororo stream, where it was later discovered in a decomposed state.
The facts gathered suggest that Nuwasiima demanded a traditional introduction ceremony after giving birth, which her husband promised to arrange once he gathered the necessary resources.
However, when the husband returned to work in Kasheshero, Nuwasiima allegedly killed their son and discarded the body in the stream. She was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
In a related incident on July 3, 2023, Robert Kulaba from Kiryamenvu, Kalwanga parish, Kabulasoke sub-county in Gomba District brutally beat his 13-year-old son, Gideon Magezi, resulting in the child’s death.
The beating allegedly occurred because Magezi failed to sort freshly gathered beans from the garden.
Magezi reportedly fainted while being transported by his wife, Juliet Nanyanzi, from Kabulasoke to Kifampa sub-counties.
Nanyanzi abandoned him at Faisal Medical Clinic and disappeared. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Efforts are underway to apprehend both parents for murder, and broken sticks found at their house are being considered as evidence.
Additionally, the territorial police in Kikuube District are investigating the possible sacrifice of a two-and-a-half-year-old boy named Anthony Twinamasiko.
Enanga stated that the victim went missing on July 3, 2023, from their home in Rwenkoba village, Kasota parish, and was discovered six days later on July 9, 2023.
The victim’s body was found in River Holiwa, missing the tongue, genitals, ears, and parts of the hand. Authorities are working to identify the culprits responsible for this gruesome murder.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
Enanga emphasized that these incidents highlight the dangers children face in violent domestic environments or when their parents are involved in toxic relationships.
He urged parents in such situations to seek assistance from the Child and Family Protection Unit (CFPU) at the nearest police station, local council, probation office, or NGOs dedicated to safeguarding children’s rights.
Enanga stressed that in all these cases, the lives of the children could have been saved.
Also Read: LIRA: Mother buries new born baby hours after birth, arrested
