Mbarara, Uganda: Doctors at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital have successfully removed about 50 stitching needles and other foreign objects from the stomach of a nine-year-old boy in what hospital officials described as a life-saving specialised surgery.
In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the hospital said its paediatric surgery team conducted the delicate operation after the needles were discovered scattered inside the child’s stomach.
“Needles were scattered across the stomach and the ‘miraculous’ soul is now out of danger and will continue receiving follow-up care. This is just one of the specialised operations we perform here,” the hospital stated.
The boy, identified as Samuel Akamumpa, is currently recovering under specialised medical care at the hospital.
The development comes days after Samuel’s 45-year-old stepmother, Juliet Tushabeomwe, appeared before the Mitooma Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges of aggravated torture linked to allegations that she forced the child to swallow stitching needles over a prolonged period.
Tushabeomwe appeared in court on May 7, 2026, but pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Presiding magistrate Gibson Muhangi remanded her to prison until June 14, when she is expected to return to court for further mention of the case.
According to the prosecution, between August 2025 and April 28, 2026, while at Rweibare Village in Kasheshero Sub-county, Mitooma District, the suspect allegedly intentionally and unlawfully forced the child to ingest metallic needles and plastic fragments.
State prosecutor Caroline Kesubi informed court that investigations into the matter had been completed.
The Greater Bushenyi Police Commander, Godfrey Achiria, earlier confirmed that investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged abuse.
The case has sparked shock and outrage among members of the public and child rights advocates due to the severity of the alleged torture.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, child abuse and aggravated torture cases remain among the most concerning forms of violence reported nationwide, with authorities repeatedly warning caregivers against abuse and harmful treatment of minors.
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