KAMPALA: As evidenced in a Police press statement issued on February 14, 2022, the joint security agencies continue to register incidents of child homicides, where children are tortured and murdered, under avoidable circumstances.
Here are some of the child homicide cases registered by Police last week.
Case 1: On the February 11, 2022, a one Rihanna Namuyombya, a 5-year-old baby class pupil, at St James Buwejje Junior School, Buwejje Trading Centre Kyato Parish, Mbirizi Subcounty, in Kasanda district, was led to a banana plantation, by her maternal uncle, Arian Ssenkumbi, who slit her throat with a panga, killing her instantly.
Police Spokesperson, CP Fred Enanga said the victim had not gone to school that day, due to illness. She instead escorted her mother, Nankumba Nosaita, a 34-year-old peasant, to their garden at Busana village.
“The mother left the daughter, playing with other children at around 7.30 am, and proceeded to the garden. At around 9.30 am, she realised her daughter was missing,” Enanga said, adding that upon inquiry, the mother was told how her daughter had gone to her maternal uncle Arian Ssenkumbi, with whom she had a poor relationship.
Upon discovery of the murder of 5-year-old Namuyombya, the suspect was arrested and lynched to death by the community.
Case 2: On February 10, 2022, at around 8.40 am, the police in Hoima, found the body of Immaculate Nyabagimu, a 15-year-old, former primary six pupil, at Naigaga Primary School, in Kagadi District.
Nyabagimu is said to have left her home in Kyanaisoke Village, Kahunde Parish, Kyanaisoke Subcounty, in Kagadi District, on February 8, 2022. On departure, she went to Hoima, to look for a job.
Enanga revealed that Nyabagimu was hired as a maid, by Beatrice Akuguzibwe, a food vendor at park cell, central ward, Hoima East Division, in Hoima City.
“The victim was sleeping in a kitchen and on the fateful day, she was raped and strangled to death, two days after leaving their home,” he added.
At the moment, the suspect is still unknown but investigations are ongoing and exhibits of a torn petticoat and other items were recovered.
Case 3: Again, on February 10, 2022, Rita Nasasira, a 25-year-old, hotel attendant of Rwabarera Cell, Kagarama Parish, Bubaare Subcounty, Rubanda District, prepared her two daughters, Blessing Kukudankwe aged 7 and her elder sister Cynthia Ampurira Ainebyoona for school.
She also gave them money for lunch. During lunch time, the siblings went to the local hotel of Busingye alias Vayi at Rwakabara Cell, Kabale Municipality and she served them food, laced with suspected poison.
The victims started experiencing stomach pains and vomiting. Upon, reaching their home, the younger victim Blessing Kukundakwe, aged 7, collapsed and died. Their mother returned and rushed Cynthia Ainebyoona to Rugarama Hospital, while in critical condition.
Enanga noted that the suspect was arrested and is currently in custody.
He also said these incidents and many others clearly indicate how children are at a great risk due to the existence of perpetrators of child abuse torture and murder.
Enanga said the cases above, bring out motivations of revenge, jealousy and financial challenges, as factors that affect children.
Nevertheless, Joint Security Agencies remain committed to pursuing every incident of child torture and homicide, to ensure that those responsible for the horrific crimes are brought to justice.
