Police in Busoga East have confirmed the death of a two-year-old boy, Samwiri Sinini, who was allegedly poisoned by his mother, Zewulence Naigaga, in Busini Village, Nabweyo Sub-county, Namutumba District. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday when Naigaga allegedly fed the child porridge laced with rat poison.
When the boy collapsed, she is said to have laid him on the veranda of their home and attempted to flee. A neighbour reportedly saw Naigaga leaving the seemingly sick child and alerted community members, who pursued and apprehended her.
Veronica Namukose, a neighbour, said Naigaga initially told residents that the child had been experiencing repeated health complications and that she was taking him to a drug shop for assistance. However, Namukose said the explanation did not satisfy residents, who suspected foul play. After further questioning, Naigaga allegedly confessed to deliberately poisoning the child, citing persistent problems.
Sinini was first rushed to Nsinze Health Centre IV before his condition deteriorated, prompting his referral to Iganga General Hospital, where he later died. The preliminary cause of death has been linked to suspected food poisoning, although a comprehensive postmortem examination is expected to establish the exact cause.
Regina Namukoobe, the female councillor representing Busini Parish at Nabweyo Sub-county, said she knew the couple, Waiswa and Naigaga, and was surprised by the incident. According to Namukoobe, the couple had experienced persistent marital disputes over the past year. After efforts to reconcile failed, they reportedly agreed to separate in August 2026, citing irreconcilable differences.
She said Naigaga insisted on staying with the child because he was still breastfeeding, a decision that was accepted by the community members who attended the meeting. Namukoobe said she was shocked that a mother who had appeared caring could be implicated in the death of her own child.
The child’s father, Waiswa, said Naigaga contacted him earlier this month seeking financial support for the child. He sent her Shs30,000 through mobile money, but she reportedly insisted on meeting him in person. Waiswa said he asked some friends to accompany him to the meeting. However, upon their arrival, Naigaga allegedly insisted that they either reconcile or risk losing their son.
He said he reluctantly left but continued communicating with Naigaga about the child’s welfare, making the news of his son’s death particularly shocking. Waiswa has called for justice and urged the relevant government agencies to expedite the prosecution of Naigaga.
Meanwhile, Busoga East Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha confirmed the incident, saying Naigaga is being detained at Namutumba Central Police Station on suspicion of murder and food poisoning. Kasadha urged couples experiencing marital disputes to seek peaceful means of resolving their differences and avoid involving children, warning that parental conflicts can expose them to physical and psychological harm-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
