Namayingo, Uganda: A 48-year-old woman in Namayingo District has been remanded to prison after pleading guilty to grievously harming her eight-year-old granddaughter for allegedly eating fish sauce meant for the family meal.
The accused, identified as Akodoi Margret, a resident of Mugabe Village in Bukana Sub-county, appeared before the Namayingo Chief Magistrate’s Court and was remanded until May 14, 2026 pending preparation of a Probation and Social Welfare Report.
Akodoi faces charges of causing grievous harm contrary to Section 202 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
Court heard that the incident occurred on May 3, 2026 at around 10:00am at the suspect’s home in Mugabe Village.
According to the prosecution, the woman allegedly returned from the garden and discovered that the child had eaten fish sauce prepared for the family meal.
The development reportedly angered her, prompting her to tie the child’s hands using dry banana leaves before setting them on fire.
The matter was reported to Bukana Police Station on the same day, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect.
The child was rushed to a nearby clinic by the LC1 Chairperson of Mugabe Village for first aid before further medical treatment was arranged.
During court proceedings, Akodoi pleaded guilty to the charge and the trial magistrate ordered that she remain on remand to allow probation officers to prepare a social welfare report that will guide sentencing.
Michael Kasadha, the Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest and charging of the suspect. “The accused was subsequently arrested and charged,” ASP Kasadha said, reiterating police commitment to protecting children and vulnerable persons from abuse.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, cases of domestic violence and child-related abuse remain among the major forms of violence reported across the country, with authorities repeatedly urging communities to report abuse and protect children from harmful punishment.
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