news 7 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Woman Remanded for Allegedly Forcing Stepson to Swallow 46 Needles
A 45-year-old woman, Juliet Tushabeomwe, has been remanded in Uganda after allegedly forcing her 8-year-old stepson to swallow 46 sewing needles over a two-week period. The child is in critical condition in the hospital. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/woman-45-remanded-over-forcing-8-year-old-stepson-to-swallow-46-needles-5450784
A woman in Mitooma District, Western Uganda, faces serious charges after allegedly compelling her 8-year-old stepson to ingest 46 sewing needles. Juliet Tushabeomwe, 45, appeared in the Mitooma Chief Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to aggravated torture.
The prosecution alleges that between August 2025 and April 2026, Tushabeomwe intentionally forced the boy, Samuel Akamumpa, to swallow the needles and other small fragments at their home in Rweibare village.
The harrowing ordeal came to light after the child suffered intense abdominal pain for nearly two weeks. His aunt, Eunice Birungi, sought medical attention for him, leading to the discovery of the ingested objects.
Samuel underwent surgery and is currently receiving specialized care at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where he is fighting for his life. Police investigations into the full extent of the abuse are complete, according to the state prosecutor.
The boy’s father, Simon Twinomugisha, informed the police that Tushabeomwe harbored resentment towards the child due to his continued communication with his biological mother.
Magistrate Gibson Muhangi remanded Tushabeomwe to prison until June 14, when the case will be further mentioned.