Mitooma Stepmother Remanded Over Alleged Forced Swallowing of 46 Needles by Boy

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1505 EAT on Friday 8 May 2026

A Mitooma court has remanded a 45-year-old woman accused of forcing her eight-year-old stepson to swallow sewing needles and pieces of broken glass.

Juliet Tushabeomwe appeared before Grade One Magistrate Gibson Muhangi on Thursday, where she was charged with aggravated torture and attempted murder.

According to state prosecutor Caroline Kesubi, the alleged abuse occurred between August 2025 and April 28, 2026, at Rweibare Village in Mitooma District.

Court heard that Tushabeomwe is accused of subjecting the child, Samuel Akamumpa, to severe torture by allegedly forcing him to ingest 46 sewing needles and fragments of broken glass.

The prosecution further alleged that the accused attempted to cause the death of the child, leading to the attempted murder charge under Section 187 of the Penal Code Act.

Juliet Tushabeomwe denied both charges before court. Grade One Magistrate Gibson Muhangi remanded her to Mitooma Prison until June 11, 2026.

According to Eunice Birungi, the family sought medical attention after Samuel Akamumpa developed severe health complications about two weeks ago.

Birungi said the child was first taken to Gava Imaging Centre for an X-ray before being referred to Ishaka Adventist Hospital for a CT scan, which reportedly revealed several metallic objects lodged in his stomach.

He was later referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where he remains admitted in the paediatric ward.

Birungi said the child is recovering after undergoing surgery earlier this week, during which doctors reportedly removed 46 needles from his digestive system.
She appealed to police to conduct thorough investigations to ensure justice for the child.

-Observer

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