Police Link Child Torture Case to Persistent Domestic Abuse Trends

Police say persistent domestic abuse and misguided forms of discipline continue to drive child torture cases, following the arrest of a 34-year-old woman accused of torturing her niece in Kampala. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala says the suspect, Esther Nankunda, a resident of Kanaala Zone in Mutundwe Parish, was arrested by officers from Nateete Police Station on Tuesday.

Kawala says preliminary findings indicate that Nankunda allegedly tortured her 10-year-old niece, a Primary Four pupil who had been entrusted to her care by her brother. Kawala says the incident occurred on Eid Day, when the suspect accused the child of stealing 100,000 shillings.

Kawala adds that the suspect allegedly burnt the victim’s hands using a heated polythene bag, leaving her with severe injuries, before neighbors intervened and alerted police. Police say the victim was rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment, while the suspect remains in custody pending court proceedings on charges of child torture.

Kawala notes that cases of child torture remain a persistent concern, often involving parents, guardians, or step-parents. She cites recent incidents, including a case in Kakoge, Nakasongola, where a 27-year-old mother allegedly burnt her two children over theft accusations, and another in Bulindo, Kira Municipality, where a mother reportedly burnt her one-and-a-half-year-old child due to domestic frustrations.

Kawala also references a case in Kasangati, where a three-year-old girl suffered severe burns after her stepmother poured hot water on her, with investigators noting earlier signs of abuse. According to a 2024 police report by Senior Superintendent Maureen Atuhaire, many such cases are linked to family conflicts, economic hardship, and misapplied discipline. Kawala adds that although suspects are often charged with offenses such as torture, aggravated torture, or attempted murder, conviction rates remain low at about 45 percent, partly because many cases go unreported.