The police is concerned about the increase in incidents of Child murders. Most of the incidents arise out of domestic violence, which is a major indicator of risk to children. The perpetrators who are violent to their partners are also frequently violent to their children, including murder.
The police has registered over four cases of aggravated violence in the last four days.
Outstanding among these is the case of Namagombwe Salima, an 18-year-old housewife, to Mubiru Rashid, who on 29.01.2022 is reported to have set out from her house in Masita village with a machete with intent to hack her co-wife only to end up hacking a baby.
The co-wife happens to stay in Nakasisi village, Bugiri District, where their shared husband had rented her a second home. Upon arrival, Salima did not find her co-wife 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.
According to Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police spokesperson, Salima has been arrested and detained.
Enanga further adds that 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,” he notes.
The Police mouthpiece further called upon anyone in a domestic violence situation, toxic relationship, or staying next to aggressive neighbours, 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.
“They have counsellors who work with family members to create a safety plan, help with stress management, communication and talk about the signs of addictive relationships and violence. In all the incidents above, the young children’s rights to life was absolutely violated,” he noted.