Police on Saturday, December 28, 2024, confirmed the arrest of a maid, Claire Tumwekwase, captured on CCTV footage allegedly torturing a four-year-old girl under her care.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), said the maid was apprehended in Kabale district.
“The Police at Kira Division are investigating an incident of aggravated torture that occurred on the night of December 27, 2024, at around 01:00 hours, in Kikoko Zone, Namataba Cell, Kirinya Ward, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District,” Owoyesigyire said.
The video, which has since sparked widespread social media condemnation, allegedly shows Tumwekwase stretching the child’s body, bending her legs, and subjecting her to severe physical abuse.
Owoyesigyire revealed that the victim, a four -year-old girl, was allegedly tortured by the suspect, Tumwekwase, a 35-year-old female.
“The suspect, employed as a housemaid, fled the scene following the incident but has since been apprehended in Kabale district and is currently detained at Kabale Central Police Station. Arrangements are underway to transport her to Kira Division in Kira Municipality,” he added.
He said the victim is currently receiving medical treatment at Nsambya Hospital.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the victim’s father, Michael Mwesigwe, a 35-year-old resident of Kikonko-Kirinya, has been the primary caregiver for his children following a separation from the children’s mother two years ago. The suspect, who had been employed as a housemaid for four years, was recommended by mutual acquaintances in Kabale district,” Owoyesigyire noted.
He said investigations are ongoing, and further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway.
“The Uganda Police Force condemns all forms of violence, particularly against children, and remains committed to ensuring justice is served. We urge the public to report any suspected cases of abuse to the nearest police station,” Owoyesigyire urged.
This is not the first instance of a caregiver being caught on camera torturing a child. Several such incidents have been reported. In December 2014, Jolly Tumuhiirirwe was sentenced to four years for assaulting a toddler.
This followed the release of a video showing her kicking, beating, and stamping on the child in a revenge attack after being beaten by the child’s mother.
She was caught on camera after the child’s father, Eric Kamanzi, installed the cameras.
