Tearful Moment As Mbarara Surgeons Remove 50 Needles & Broken Pen Pieces From Child’s Stomach

By Swift Reporter

A team of pediatric surgeons at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital has successfully removed about 50 sewing needles and broken pen fragments from the stomach of a 9-year-old boy in a complex life-saving operation, following months of severe suffering and alleged abuse.

The child, identified as Samuel Akamumpa, a resident of Rweibare Village in Kasheshero Sub-county, Mitooma District, had reportedly endured eight months of persistent abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and dark stools before the true cause of his condition was discovered.

Hospital officials said the breakthrough came after scans conducted at an imaging center in Bushenyi-Ishaka revealed multiple foreign objects inside the boy’s abdomen. He was then urgently referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital on April 28, 2026.

According to the hospital’s acting director, Dr. Deus Twesigye, the medical team discovered that the child’s condition required immediate surgical intervention due to the dangerous number of sharp objects lodged inside his digestive system.

A specialized team of seven pediatric surgeons carried out the delicate operation, using magnets and surgical techniques to carefully extract the foreign objects.

Dr. Twesigye said the team successfully removed approximately 50 stitching needles—some still attached to threads—along with crushed fragments of plastic pens.

The hospital confirmed that the child received blood transfusions, antibiotics, pain management, and intensive wound care during recovery, and has since been discharged in stable condition.

Medical officials added that while the physical recovery has been successful, the boy is now undergoing counseling and psychiatric care to help him recover from the emotional trauma linked to the incident.

In a statement, the hospital described the operation as one of its highly specialized pediatric procedures, noting that the child’s survival was a result of coordinated emergency care and surgical expertise.

The case has also drawn national attention following reports that the child’s stepmother allegedly forced him to swallow the objects over a prolonged period.

Police earlier stated that the suspect, Juliet Tushabeomwe, a 45-year-old resident of Mitooma District, was arrested and charged with aggravated torture.

She appeared before the Mitooma Chief Magistrate’s Court on May 7, 2026, where she denied the charges. The presiding magistrate, Gibson Muhangi, remanded her to prison until June 14 for further mention of the case.

Court documents presented by the prosecution allege that between August 2025 and April 28, 2026, the accused intentionally and unlawfully forced the child to ingest metallic objects and plastic fragments. Prosecutors also indicated that investigations into the matter have been completed.

The Greater Bushenyi Police Commander, Godfrey Achiria, previously confirmed that investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged abuse.

The successful surgery has been described by hospital staff as a rare but remarkable medical intervention that saved the child’s life after months of unnoticed internal injuries.

Authorities say the boy will continue to receive follow-up medical and psychological care as legal proceedings against the suspect continue in court.