Namayingo Woman Remanded for Setting Granddaughter on Fire Over Mukene Theft

Appearing before the Chief Magistrate, the accused pleaded guilty and was remanded to Buyinji Prison until May 14, 2026, pending a probation and social welfare report.Busoga East Police spokesperson Micheal Kasadha identified the suspect as Marget Akodai, while the victim is her eight-year-old granddaughter. The child suffered severe burns on both hands and cheeks and was rushed to a nearby clinic for first aid treatment.Both are residents of Mugabe Village in Budoma Parish, Bukana Sub-county, where the incident occurred on May 3, 2026, at around 10:00am.According to police, Akodai had prepared food and kept some Mukene for supper after lunch before leaving home for personal errands. When she returned, she discovered the sauce had been eaten. Other children reportedly told her that the victim had consumed it.Angered by the incident, Akodai allegedly tied the girl with ropes, gathered banana leaves, and set her on fire.Kasadha said neighbours heard the child screaming in pain and alerted LC1 chairperson Obadiya Wajuri, who rushed to rescue her.“The chairperson reported the matter to Bukana Sub-county Police Station, leading to Akodai’s arrest. The case file was later forwarded to Namayingo Police Station before being taken to court,” he said.Namayingo District Senior Probation Officer Bulamu Gonza told court that while in custody, Akodai said she did not know the whereabouts of the child’s father.Gonza added that the girl is currently staying with her maternal aunt as authorities search for a safer place where she can receive proper care and protection.“We cannot allow the child to return home because her safety cannot be guaranteed. For now, she is staying with the aunt as we look for a safer place for her accommodation and care,” he said.He also noted that cases of child abuse remain common in the district, with three incidents already reported this year. Gonza added that this case came to light because of increased awareness about children’s rights by local leaders, noting that many similar cases often go unreported or are handled privately at home.