Written By | BK Mugizi
The victim is currently admitted at Mbarara regional referral hospital following a successful surgery
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Mitooma
Police in Mitooma District have arrested a 45-year-old woman accused of forcing her eight-year-old stepson to swallow needles. The suspect, Juliet Tushabeomwe, a resident of Rweibare II Village in Kyanzire Parish, Kashenshero Town Council, was arrested on May 1, 2026, and is currently detained at Mitooma Central Police Station as investigations continue.
The Greater Bushenyi Sub-region Police Commander, Godfrey Achiria, confirmed the arrest and said the suspect has been charged with attempted murder.
“We arrested the suspect to assist with investigations into allegations that the child was forced to swallow needles. She has been charged with attempted murder as investigations continue,” Achiria said.
According to preliminary findings, the child had been suffering from severe abdominal pain for nearly two weeks, prompting his aunt, Birungi Eunice, to seek medical attention for him.
Examinations at Gava Imaging Centre and Ishaka Adventist Hospital, including an X-ray and CT scan, reportedly revealed metallic objects in the child's stomach.
He was later referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where he is currently admitted to the paediatric ward and receiving specialised treatment following surgery.
Medical sources indicate that 46 needles have so far been removed, with further procedures expected depending on the child's recovery.
Attempts to obtain a comment from the hospital were unsuccessful, as the public relations officer was reportedly away on official duties.
Police reports suggest the incident may have occurred about two weeks earlier in Rweibare Village. Investigators say the child had been living with his stepmother following the separation of his biological parents.
A CT Scan showing needles in the victim's stomach
Sources close to the investigation allege that the suspect wrapped the needles in pieces of paper before forcing the child to swallow them, occasionally giving him porridge to ease the process.
The child's father, Twinomugisha Simon, told police that tensions in the home escalated after the suspect allegedly became unhappy over the boy’s communication with his biological mother.
“My wife did not want my son to speak to his mother. She would tell me to stop him, or else she would chase him away to go to his mother,” he said.
The Mitooma District Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Umar Muhanguzi, condemned the alleged act of violence against the child and urged the public to report suspected cases of child abuse promptly.
“We condemn this alleged act of violence against a child and urge the public to report suspected child abuse cases without delay,” Muhanguzi said.
