MUBENDE District (UGNEWSLINE) – Police have arrested a 19-year-old woman as they investigate the death of a two-year-old boy who was reportedly left in the care of relatives in Mubende District.
The child, identified as Tumugonze Mugenyi, aged two years and six months, was found unresponsive at his aunt’s home after his mother had left him there while she went to work, police say.
According to police, the incident happened in Kirungi Cell, South Division, Mubende Municipality.
The boy’s mother, 26-year-old Turinzire Birungi, reportedly took her son to her sister’s home at about 19:30 local time on 8 November before going to work.
She returned home at about 09:00 the following morning and went to collect her child an hour later.
However, before reaching the house, she received a telephone call from her sister’s daughter, identified as Kamukune Rose, asking her to rush and take the child to hospital.
On arrival, Ms Birungi found her son lying on a bed covered with a blanket. Police said the child had faecal matter on his body and appeared lifeless.
His mother reportedly bathed him before rushing him to a nearby clinic, where a nurse confirmed that he was already dead.
The child’s body was subsequently taken back home.
Police say information from neighbours alleging that the boy had been strangled by Ms Rose prompted his mother to report the death to Mubende Central Police Station.
A homicide team, accompanied by a scene-of-crime officer, was dispatched to investigate. The scene was examined and documented, while statements from witnesses were recorded.
The body was later transferred to the mortuary at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death.
Police spokesperson for Wamala Region, Lameck Kigozi, confirmed the arrest of the 19-year-old suspect as investigations continue.
“On receipt of the report, a homicide team was dispatched with a Scene of Crime officer. The scene was examined and documented, and statements of witnesses were recorded,” Kigozi said.
He added that the suspect had been arrested and inquiries were ongoing.
Police have urged parents, particularly mothers engaged in night-time businesses, to take extra precautions when making childcare arrangements.
Kigozi advised parents to ensure that very young children are either kept close to them or entrusted to responsible caregivers who can regularly monitor their welfare and alert them whenever an emergency arises.
The circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death remain under investigation.
