A schoolgirl is nursing severe burn injuries after her caretaker allegedly forced both of her hands into an open fire as punishment over the alleged theft of shs1,000, in a case that has renewed concern over the rising cases of child torture in Uganda.
The victim (names withheld), was allegedly subjected to the brutal assault on July 23, 2026, after returning home from school.
According to reports, the child’s caretaker, Agnes Anuso, accused her of stealing shs1,000.
Despite repeatedly denying the accusation, the child was allegedly beaten before being dragged into the family kitchen, where the caretaker reportedly held both of the girl’s hands over an open flame.
The attack left the child with deep burns on her hands and parts of her arms, injuries that are expected to require prolonged medical treatment and rehabilitation.
The incident has been widely condemned by child rights advocates, who describe it as a grave act of torture rather than discipline.
Uganda’s Children Act prohibits any form of punishment or treatment that endangers a child’s physical or mental wellbeing, while the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act criminalises acts that intentionally inflict severe pain or suffering.
Previous prosecutions have seen parents and guardians convicted and imprisoned for burning children as punishment, underscoring the seriousness with which courts increasingly treat such offences.
The latest case adds to a growing list of child abuse incidents reported across the country.
In recent months, courts have handed custodial sentences to offenders convicted of aggravated torture against children, while police have repeatedly warned parents and caregivers that corporal punishment must never escalate into violence or torture.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding Judith’s injuries and determine the appropriate criminal charges against the suspect as the victim continues receiving medical care.
