Police in Kampala are searching for a woman who allegedly poured boiling water on her four-year-old daughter for eating rice without permission.
The suspect, identified as Macline Zabaki, a resident of K3 Zone in Kyambogo, Nakawa Division, fled the scene immediately after the incident and remains at large.
Addressing journalists at the police headquarters in Naguru on Monday, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Racheal Kawala revealed that preliminary investigations indicate Zabaki attacked the minor after discovering that cooked rice had been eaten without her consent.
“The suspect allegedly grabbed a boiling kettle and poured hot water directly onto the child. She fled to an unknown location right after,” Kawala said, appealing to anyone with information regarding Zabaki’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station.
The four-year-old victim was rushed to a medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and recovering from her injuries.
Kawala strongly condemned the assault, urging parents and guardians to refrain from using torture under the guise of discipline.
“We urge parents, guardians, and relatives to prioritize the protection and welfare of young children and adopt non-violent discipline methods,” she added.
In a related development, police at Kira Road are holding a 32-year-old man on allegations of defiling a six-year-old girl in Bukoto, Nakawa Division.
The suspect, identified as Lewis Madibo, had visited the victim’s mother at her residence. Police report that Madibo allegedly committed the crime late in the night after the victim’s mother had fallen asleep. He was subsequently arrested and is awaiting charges.
With schools preparing to close for the holidays, police have cautioned parents and guardians to heighten vigilance, noting a historical surge in cases of child abuse and sexual exploitation during school breaks.
Kawala called on local communities to work closely with law enforcement to ensure children remain safe throughout the holiday period.