Precious Tumuhirwe, a maid featured in a viral video that circulated extensively on social media, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after she admitted to the horrific torture of her employer’s child.
The Kira Magistrates Court, under the authority of Shallon Niwaha, issued this sentence after she pleaded guilty to the charges against her. The 37-year-old, residing in Namataba, Kirinya, was seen in a video inflicting inhumane punishments on a young child.
As stated by the presiding Magistrate, both the parents and child have endured physical and emotional harm, as recovery from the trauma experienced by children is often prolonged for their parents. Moreover, the court noted that Tumuhirwe had abused the trust and authority given to her by both the parents and the child regarding the child’s safety.
Despite being a mother to an 8-year-old, who is under the care of her father, Tumuhirwe showed no remorse while torturing another person’s child. Her only apology came after she was caught.
Furthermore, the Magistrate remarked that her reluctance to allow intervention from neighbors, who attempted to help, and her fleeing the scene demonstrated a complete disregard for human life. According to the Magistrate, Tumuhirwe’s behavior illustrated that she possesses a savage nature, describing her as one “rotten wild animal in a human body.”
Niwaha also highlighted the ongoing issue of human rights abuses, particularly against minors. Despite the various efforts made by the legal system, individuals, government, and activists to address this problem, it remains alarmingly prevalent. The sentence of 40 years was intended to serve as a warning to all those who engage in domestic violence.
It is important to note that this maid was employed by Michael Mwesigwa, who tasked her with caring for his daughter from an estranged relationship with Doreen Kansiime. Following a brief period at work, Mwesigwa received a troubling phone call from neighbors, alerting him to the mistreatment of his child by the maid. Upon his return home, he discovered his child lying on the floor, bleeding. Meanwhile, Tumuhirwe had left the scene and returned to her home in Kabale, where she was apprehended as soon as she disembarked from a Gateway Bus.
The victim sustained “multiple injuries, including cuts on her lips and was classified as having suffered grievous harm. She also experienced both physical and emotional trauma, exhibiting fear of people and crying whenever someone attempted to speak to her,” as detailed in court records.
