Wakiso Police Probe Child's Death, Parents Arrested

Authorities in Wakiso District have initiated a probe into the tragic death of a five-year-old child. The incident, which occurred on September 26, 2026, in Kanyogoga Kawanda Central Zone, Nabweru Division, came to light on October 5, 2026, when police received information about the event.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Racheal Kawala, the child’s mother is alleged to have wrapped the body in a polythene bag and disposed of it in a nearby pit latrine. It is reported that the mother only disclosed the incident to her sister.

Upon receiving the report, police visited the scene, retrieved the deceased’s body from the latrine, and transported it to the mortuary for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Both the mother and father of the deceased have been apprehended by the police and are cooperating with the investigation.

Police are examining the case under Section 227 of the Penal Code, which addresses “rash and neglect” acts. This section outlines potential penalties of up to seven years imprisonment for actions that demonstrate recklessness or a failure to perform duties, particularly when minors are involved. The investigation will focus on child safety, potential medical negligence, and overall public protection.

This incident occurs against a backdrop where factors such as unwanted pregnancies, social stigma, lack of support systems, poverty, and cultural pressures, as highlighted in a 2023 UNICEF study, can contribute to extreme outcomes related to child welfare.