Security agencies have called for public cooperation to help in the fight against increased incidents of child murders.
Fred Enanga the police spokesperson says most of the incidents arise out of domestic violence, which is a major indicator of risk to children.
Enanga also adds that the perpetrators who are violent to their partners are also frequently violent to their children, including murder.
For instance, on 27.01.2022, the police in Rukungiri arrested three siblings who conspired and chopped off the head of an 18-month-old infant.
This occurred at Nyakatembe “A” cell, Kikakara Parish, in the Rukungiri district. Those arrested are Tukwasibwe Felistar, a 22-year-old mother, and her two brothers, Twinamasiko Jackson, 37, and Garubanda Cypriano, 25.
They were angered by the failure of the victim’s father, Nyamuhemba Venancio, a fish dealer at Rwenshama Landing Site, to provide basic necessities and support.
In a statement Enang added that in Kalaki district, the police have in custody, Enyimu Simon, who on the 27.01.2022, at around 9:45, attacked his wife, who was carrying their 10-month-old son, Opolot Felix on the back.
During the fight, their son slid from the mother’s back and fell in boiling water. The victim was rushed by the grandfather, Opolot Charles, to Soroti Referral Hospital, but unfortunately succumbed to the injuries. This happened at Ongeloi village, in Kalaki district.
“Again, on 29.01.2022, at around 10 am, Namagombwe Salima, an 18-year-old housewife, to Mubiru Rashid, left her village in Masita with a panga and went to Nakasisi village, Bugiri district, to attack a co-wife, whom her husband had rented for a second home. She did not find her at home but instead hacked to death a 3-month-old baby girl, identified as Kigenyi Nuhu, a daughter to Birungi Shakira, who is a friend to her co-wife. The suspect was arrested and in custody”. He added.
On 29.01.2022, Oyanga Patrick, a 26-year-old peasant, of Iyama village, Alebtong district, got Okullo Thomas, a 7-year-old, male juvenile, trying to steal jackfruits from his compound. He grabbed the victim and assaulted him to death in his compound. The suspect was arrested and in custody.
“These incidents indicate that Child torture and murders are real. Many children are at great risk of homicide when their parents are at the point of separation or after. Parents also kill their children, as a means of taking revenge on their formal partner for leaving them”.
“They view the children as their possession; therefore, no one else would have them. Other significant risk factors for children are; criminal record, use of weapons, injuries inflicted, financial problems, alcohol, drugs, mental illness, the victim is pregnant, jealousy, separation, threats to kill, sexual abuse and attempts to strangle, among others”.
” We call upon anyone in a domestic violence situation, toxic relationship, or staying next to aggressive neighbors, to seek help from the Child and Family Protection Officers at the nearest police station, the LCs, probation officers, and NGOs advocating children’s rights”. He said.
