Police Warn Parents against Brutal Punishment of Children

Police on Monday re-echoed its earlier caution on parents who brutally punish their children which sometimes lead to death.

This follows a duo investigation by the homicide department in which two children were allegedly killed by their parents.

According to police, the first incident occurred on the 6/10/2019, at Kigogola Parish, Kasawo Sub-county, Mukono District, where a 10 year old, female juvenile, Nassanga Salma, was beaten for stealing food by her father, Sessanga Isma, a 44 year old LCII Chairperson.

It is said that the victim became unconscious and was rushed to St. Francis Hospital for medical attention but was later pronounced dead upon arrival.

The suspect was arrested and he is still in custody at Nagalama Police Station as investigations continue.

Spokesperson Fred Enanga said that the second incident happened on the 7/10/2019 at Dyang village, Kikuube Parish Kiryandongo Sub-county.

In this incident, police said that a one James Begarazo, 50 years old followed his two sons at around 11pm and found them loitering within the trading centre.

He took them home and started punishing them for staying out late.  During the process, the victim, Wilson Kitegeka alias Lubega Nelson, attempted to flee and the father threw his walking stick, which hit the back of his head.

The victim reportedly bled from around 11pm till 3am when he succumbed to the injuries.

“The suspect was arrested and is pending court,” said Police.

Police states that both victims were examined on postmortem and the cause of death revealed as blunt force trauma, adding that “It is unfortunate that the victims died at the hands of their violent fathers.”

“We would like to caution all parents, who usually do not see anything wrong with sticks parenting methods; and use harsh punishments as a method of disciplining their children, that it is a form of child abuse and must be stopped. Such brutal beatings are a reminder to our children that even parents whom they see as guardians can also be dangerous,” said Police.

Authorities also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and on the lookout for closed families where children live in fear and always cover abuses against them.

Locals are further advised to cooperate with other stakeholders in schools, neighborhood, LCs, Probation and CFPU.

Recently, the homicide department revealed that child deaths in the country are on the raise and at least 25 deaths were registered in past three months.