By Swift Reporter
Shock and outrage have gripped residents of Mitooma District after a 45-year-old woman was remanded to prison over allegations that she forced her eight-year-old stepson to swallow 46 sewing needles and plastic fragments in a horrifying case of child abuse.
Juliet Tushabeomwe, a resident of Rweibare II Village in Kyanzire Parish, Kashenshero Town Council, appeared before the Mitooma Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, May 7, 2026, and was charged with aggravated torture.
She denied the charges before Chief Magistrate Gibson Muhangi, who remanded her to prison until June 14, 2026, when she is expected to return to court for further mention of the case.
The victim, identified as Samuel Akamumpa, is currently battling for his life at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where doctors have already removed 46 needles from his body during surgery.
According to prosecution led by State Attorney Caroline Kesubi, Tushabeomwe allegedly forced the child to ingest the metallic objects and plastic materials between August 2025 and April 28, 2026, while living in Rweibare Village in Kasheshero Sub-county.
Kesubi informed court that investigations into the disturbing case had been completed.
The suspect was initially arrested on May 1 and detained at Mitooma Central Police Station as police launched investigations into the alleged abuse.
Greater Bushenyi Police Commander Godfrey Achiria confirmed the arrest earlier and said detectives were investigating the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We arrested the suspect to assist with investigations into allegations that the child was forced to swallow needles,” Achiria said.
The horrifying ordeal reportedly came to light after the young boy spent nearly two weeks suffering severe abdominal pain.
Concerned about his worsening condition, his aunt, Eunice Birungi, reportedly took him for medical examinations at Gava Imaging Centre and Ishaka Adventist Hospital.
Medical scans, including an X-ray and CT scan, allegedly revealed dozens of metallic objects lodged inside the child’s stomach.
He was later referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for specialised treatment and emergency surgery.
Medical sources say doctors successfully removed 46 needles from the child’s body, although further procedures may still be required depending on his recovery.
Police investigations indicate the child had been living with his stepmother following the separation of his biological parents.
In a statement recorded by police, the boy’s father, Simon Twinomugisha, claimed the suspect had repeatedly expressed anger over the child maintaining contact 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,” Twinomugisha reportedly told investigators.
Authorities are still trying to establish how the child was allegedly forced to ingest the needles over such a prolonged period without immediate detection.
The case has sparked widespread condemnation from local leaders and child rights advocates, with many calling for stronger protection mechanisms for vulnerable children facing abuse in homes.
Mitooma Deputy Resident District Commissioner Umar Muhanguzi condemned the alleged act and urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse immediately.
“We condemn this alleged act of violence against a child and urge the public to report suspected child abuse cases without delay,” Muhanguzi said.
The case continues to attract national attention as the young boy remains under intensive medical care while investigators piece together details surrounding one of the most disturbing child abuse incidents reported in recent years.
WhatsApp/Call: +256 754 137391
