Police in Kabale are holding a woman accused of brutally torturing her employer’s 4-year-old child in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District.
Disturbing CCTV footage shared by the Police’s Children and Family Protection Unit shows Precious Tumuhairwe, a housemaid, assaulting a naked child, Claire Tumwekwase, in a bathroom.
The footage captures the child crying out in pain, with visible blood from her body. According to police reports, the incident occurred on December 27, 2024, at around 1:00 a.m. in Kikoko Zone, Namataba Cell, Kirinya Ward, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District.
Investigations reveal that Tumuhairwe had been employed as a housemaid by Michael Mwesigwa, a single father raising his children after separating from their mother two years ago. Tumuhairwe had worked in the household for four years.
Upon realizing her actions had been caught on camera, Tumuhairwe fled the home but was later arrested in Kabale District. She is currently being held at Kabale Central Police Station.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, stated that Tumuhairwe will be transported to Kira Division in Wakiso District to face charges of aggravated torture.
The victim, Claire Tumwekwase, has been admitted to Nsambya Hospital for medical attention.
Owoyesigyire assured the public that thorough investigations are ongoing to ensure justice is served.
“We condemn all forms of violence, particularly against children. We urge the public to report any suspected cases of abuse to the nearest police station,” Owoyesigyire said.
Derrick Basalirwa, Deputy National Coordinator for the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons at the Ministry, called for greater vigilance when hiring domestic workers.
Speaking in an interview, he emphasized the importance of conducting thorough background checks to prevent similar incidents.
“Housemaids are often hired through casual recommendations, with families failing to verify critical details such as past employment or reasons for leaving previous jobs. This lack of due diligence has led to increasing cases of torture and child trafficking,” Basalirwa warned.