crime 14 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Two-Year-Old Girl Dies, Parents Hurt in Suspected Arson Attack in Kagadi
A suspected arson attack in Mabaale Town Council, Kagadi District, claimed the life of a two-year-old girl and left her parents critically injured after attackers allegedly doused their rental home with petrol and locked the door. Police have arrested two suspects amid claims of witchcraft accusations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/child-killed-parents-injured-in-suspected-kagadi-arson-attack-5423302
Residents of Mabaale Town Council in Kagadi District are mourning the loss of two-year-old Atuhura Sirati, who died in a suspected arson attack early Tuesday morning. The blaze erupted around 3:00 a.m. at the rental home of her father, Aus Katatumba, trapping the family inside.
Unidentified assailants reportedly poured petrol around the door and through a gap underneath, then locked it from outside with a log and ropes. Neighbours heard distress calls and rushed to help, initially suspecting a burglary. They broke open the door to find the child dead from suffocation, while Katatumba and his wife Sophia suffered severe burns.
The injured parents were first taken to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and later transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital. A letter allegedly left at the scene accused Katatumba of witchcraft and misconduct, pointing to possible personal grudges.
Local leaders, including LC1 chairperson Bon Katabarwa and Mabaale Town Council chair Edward Irumba, condemned the ‘evil’ act and called for legal resolutions to disputes. Imam Mwalimu Musa Ibona noted community efforts to assist after police intervention.
Albertine South regional police spokesperson Allan Julius Hakiza confirmed the attack, naming the victims and stating two suspects are in custody. Investigations continue, with appeals for public tips.