Police in Masindi District are holding a businessman, Michael Otuga, over the alleged murder of a 13-year-old boy following a suspected theft incident. The deceased has been identified as Phillip Apuuli, a resident of Ejinga-Tuwasati Village in Nyantonzi Sub-county.
According to information gathered by Uganda Radio Network (URN), the incident occurred on March 10, 2026, when Otuga accused the boy of stealing an unspecified amount of money from his shop at Tuwasati Trading Centre.
Otuga allegedly poured petrol on the boy and set him on fire, leaving him with severe burns. The victim was rescued by residents and rushed to Masindi General Hospital before being referred to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital in critical condition for specialized treatment.
However, the boy succumbed to his injuries on Thursday afternoon. Albertine Region Police Spokesperson Julius Hakiza confirmed the suspect’s arrest, saying he is currently detained at Masindi Central Police Station as investigations continue.
Hakiza assured the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice is served. A resident, John Opoka, said efforts by community members to intervene and persuade Otuga to forgive the child were unsuccessful, alleging that the suspect insisted on punishing him.
Opoka has called on the police to expedite investigations so that justice can prevail. The incident adds to a series of child abuse cases reported in the region in recent years.
In December 2024, Margret Tugume, a businesswoman in Masindi, was arrested for allegedly torturing a 12-year-old boy, Rahim Ahumuza, who had reportedly entered her fenced home.
She was accused of tying and severely beating the child, inflicting injuries on multiple parts of his body.
A video of the incident later went viral, prompting police investigations that led to her arrest. In a separate case in December 2022, Yustin Nyiraziboneye, a resident of Kagadi District, was arrested for allegedly torturing her three-year-old stepson, James Maniroho, to death.
The child reportedly sustained severe injuries and died while being rushed to the hospital.
Police continue to warn the public against taking the law into their own hands, urging communities to report suspected crimes to authorities instead. URN