(Masaka) – A Masaka court has sentenced Stella Namawejje, 34, to 35 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to aggravated torture of a child. Namawejje was convicted for forcefully feeding a toddler with her feces, an act caught on video and circulated widely online. The sentence was delivered on Thursday by Masaka Chief Magistrate Aloysius Natwijuka, who cited the need for a strong punishment to deter such abuse.
Despite noting Namawejje’s remorse, Magistrate Natwijuka stressed the gravity of her actions. “Her acts against an innocent baby are grave and barbaric,” he told a packed courtroom, adding that such a sentence would serve to protect other children from similar abuse.
Prosecutor Brian Kalinaki had requested a life sentence, arguing that Namawejje’s actions reflected a character unfit for reintegration into society. Namawejje, a mother of four from Kyazanga in Lwengo District, expressed remorse during the trial and asked the court for leniency, stating she was uncertain what led her to commit the act.
Key Facts of the Case | Details |
---|---|
Convict | Stella Namawejje, 34 |
Crime | Aggravated torture of a child |
Sentence | 35 years imprisonment |
Prosecutor’s recommendation | Life imprisonment |
Location | Masaka, Uganda |
The incident came to light after a friend of Namawejje shared the video with a mobile money agent, which led to its rapid spread. The disturbing footage showed Namawejje undressing, defecating, and urinating on the baby, followed by feeding the child a mixture of the waste. Prosecution revealed that police, with help from local residents, apprehended Namawejje soon after the video went viral.
Medical examinations at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital confirmed that Namawejje is mentally stable, according to Dr. Herbert Kalema, who conducted the assessment. Prosecutor Kalinaki pointed out that the child had been exposed to various infections, including HIV, from the accused. The baby is now receiving preventive treatment, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP), to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
Magistrate Natwijuka remarked on the case’s importance in highlighting hidden child abuse, saying, “We have many children who suffer in silence. This conviction shows our commitment to protecting children from brutality.” He added that this particular case gained attention only because the offender had recorded it herself.
According to court records, the child’s mother, identified as Oliver Mbabazi, had left her baby in Namawejje’s care while at work, unaware of the abuse that would unfold over the course of a month.