Police in Buikwe District have arrested a woman in connection with the death of her two-year-old stepson in a case that has shocked residents of Kiyindi Town Council.
The deceased has been identified as Innocent Sonko, a two-year-old resident of Gimbo Cell, Kiyindi Ward.
According to police, the incident occurred on the night of June 12, 2026, at around 11:00 p.m. Authorities have since registered a case of suspected murder by torture as investigations into the child's death continue.
Preliminary findings indicate that the boy had only recently been reunited with his father, Vincent Kivumbi, after spending some time under the care of his biological mother.
Investigators say that approximately two weeks before the incident, Kivumbi reportedly contacted his former wife and requested custody of their son. The mother allegedly agreed and handed over the child.
The boy was then taken to Kivumbi's home in Gimbo Cell, where he had been living with his father and stepmother, identified as Jackie Katoko.
The case came to light on June 13, 2026, at approximately 11:19 a.m., when a resident, identified as Naigaga, reported to Kiyindi Police Station that the child had been found dead inside his parents' house.
Following the report, officers from Lugazi Central Police Station visited the scene and launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Police subsequently arrested Katoko and Kivumbi to assist with inquiries.
The child's body was transported to Kawolo Hospital for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Ssezibwa Regional Police spokesperson SP Hellen Butoto confirmed the arrests and said investigations are ongoing.
"We have both suspects in custody as inquiries continue to establish the circumstances that led to the child's death," Butoto said.
Police have urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to complete their work, emphasizing that justice will be pursued based on the findings of the investigation.