Police in Kampala have launched a manhunt for a woman accused of severely injuring her four-year-old daughter by allegedly scalding her with boiling water in an incident that has renewed concerns over child abuse.
The alleged assault occurred on 1 August 2026 at K3, Kyambogo in Nakawa Division, according to investigators at Jinja Road Police Division, who say the child is the victim of suspected torture.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the girl’s biological mother, identified as Zabaki Maklean, allegedly poured hot water from a kettle on the child after accusing her of eating rice while she was away from home.
Police said the suspect fled the scene and remains at large.
Investigators are actively searching for her as inquiries into the incident continue.
The Uganda Police Force condemned the alleged abuse, describing violence against children as unacceptable. Authorities urged parents, guardians and caregivers to use non-violent methods of discipline and to safeguard the welfare of children.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could help locate the suspect to report to the nearest police station or contact the Uganda Police to assist in her arrest and prosecution.
