A court in Uganda has sentenced a house maid to 40 years in prison for torturing a four-year-old child left under her care.
Precious Tumuheirwe pleaded guilty of aggravated torture after the incident was captured in a viral video.
The sentence was delivered on January 3, 2025, by Chief Magistrate Shallon Niwaha at the Kira Magistrates Court in Wakiso District.
Tumuheirwe was arrested on Saturday while attempting to flee. According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, she was intercepted on a bus in Kabale District.
The torture incident occurred on the night of December 27, 2024, at Kikoko Zone, Namataba Cell in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District. A video that surfaced online shows the 35-year-old housemaid brutally stretching the child’s body, bending her legs, and inflicting severe harm. The footage sparked widespread outrage on social media.
Owoyesigyire identified the victim as four-year-old Claire Tumwekwase.
“The suspect, employed as a housemaid, fled the scene after the incident but has now been apprehended in Kabale District. Arrangements are being made to transfer her to Kira Division,” he said.
The victim is currently receiving treatment at Nsambya Hospital.
Owoyesigyire stated that the child’s father, 35-year-old Micheal Mwesigwe, has been the primary caregiver for his children since separating from their mother two years ago.
He urged members of the public to report any suspected cases of abuse to the nearest police station, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children’s welfare.
