Woman Remanded Over Allegedly Forcing Stepson to Swallow 46 Sewing Needles

A 45-year-old woman has been remanded to prison in Mitooma District, Western Uganda, over allegations that she forced her eight-year-old stepson to swallow 46 sewing needles.Juliet Tushabeomwe appeared before the Mitooma Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, May 7, 2026, facing charges of aggravated torture after allegedly forcing the boy to swallow the needles over a period of two weeks.She pleaded not guilty before Chief Magistrate Gibson Muhangi, who remanded her to prison until June 14, when she is expected back in court for further mention of the case as the victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.Prosecution alleges that between August 2025 and April 28, 2026, at Rweibare Village in Kasheshero Sub-county, Tushabeomwe intentionally and unlawfully forced Samuel Akamumpa to ingest metallic objects and plastic fragments.

State prosecutor Caroline Kesubi told court that investigations into the matter are complete.The victim is currently receiving specialized treatment at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital after undergoing surgery to remove the objects.The Greater Bushenyi Police Commander, Godfrey Achiria, earlier said investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged abuse.The incident came to light after the boy endured nearly two weeks of severe abdominal pain. Concerned about his condition, his aunt, Eunice Birungi, took him for medical examinations.In a police statement, the victim’s father, Simon Twinomugisha, said the suspect allegedly resented the child because of his continued contact with his biological mother.“My wife did not want my son to speak to his mother. She would tell me to stop him or else she would chase him away,” Mr Twinomugisha told police.