Police in mityana is investigating the incident that happened in Busunju Consituancy in Mityana District, were they rescued a two-year-old boy from what authorities describe as a disturbing case of aggravated child abuse, after a report was filed by the LC1 chairperson of Mbalara Village in Kkandwa Sub-county, Wamala Viane.
According to Wamala, concerned residents alerted him that a young child in the community was being mistreated. Acting on the tip-off, he visited the home of Sekawaya Vicent, the child’s father, where he was shocked to find the little boy tied with a rope.
Wamala tried to intervene by cautioning the boy’s stepmother, Mirembe Mariam, who was the child’s caretaker at the time. However, she reportedly ignored his warnings and continued with the abusive behavior.
Realising the gravity of the situation, the chairman immediately reported the matter to Busunju Police Station.
According to police,a team of detectives responded swiftly and proceeded to the home. They found the child still tied up, in the same condition the chairman had earlier reported. Officers rescued the boy and took him to the police station for safety and medical assessment.
The Wamala region Police spokesperson SSP.Lameck Kigozi say,the toddler appeared frail, malnourished, and bruised, clear indicators of prolonged neglect and physical abuse.
Both the father, Sekawaya Vicent, and the stepmother, Mirembe Mariam, were arrested on the spot and remain in custody at Busujju Police Station. They are awaiting formal charges from the Resident State Attorney.
“This child was extremely weak and showed signs of serious abuse. We could not allow him to remain in that environment,” SSP Kigozi noted“We shall ensure that justice is served.”
Police used the incident to address a broader issue of violence against stepchildren, urging women who marry men with children from previous relationships to treat them with dignity and care. “These children are innocent. They did not choose the families they were born into,” Kigozi noted.
Authorities also encouraged community members to continue reporting suspected cases of child abuse, emphasising that protecting children is a collective responsibility.