The 35-year-old housemaid captured on CCTV footage torturing a 4-year-old girl inside a bathroom has reportedly denied the accusations.
Precious Tumuhirwe, who, allegedly committed the crime on December 27 in Kikoko Zone, Kira Municipality in Wakiso district fled the home and was arrested by the police while attempting to board the bus in Kabale.
The disturbing footage shows Tumuhirwe outstretching the child’s limbs – with the girl crying out in pain, with visible blood flowing from her body, and according to police reports, the victim is currently receiving treatment at Nsambya hospital. She reportedly told the police, that the bleeding was because the girl accidentally fell.
Tumuhirwe had been employed as a housemaid by Michael Mwesigwa, a single father raising his children after separating from their mother about two years ago. Tumuhairwe had worked in the same household for four years. Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire stated that Tumuhirwe will face charges of aggravated torture.
“We condemn all forms of violence, particularly against children. We urge the public to report any suspected cases of abuse to the nearest police station,” Owoyesigyire said.
Derrick Basalirwa, deputy national coordinator for the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons called for greater vigilance when hiring domestic workers.
“Housemaids are often hired through casual recommendations, with families failing to verify critical details such as past employment or reasons for leaving previous jobs. This lack of due diligence has led to increasing cases of torture and child trafficking,” Basalirwa warned.
