Masaka City, Uganda — A 34-year-old woman from Masaka City has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after a disturbing video surfaced, showing her feeding her neighbour’s 10-month-old child with feces and urine.
Stella Namwanje, a resident of Binyonyi A in Nyendo, Mukungwe Division, was found guilty by Masaka Chief Magistrate Aloysius Natwijuka, who condemned her actions as “inhumane, deeply disturbing, and a clear betrayal of trust.”
The abuse, which went viral on social media on November 4, 2024, has shocked Uganda, sparking outrage and calls for greater child protection measures.
Prosecutor George Kalinaki informed the court that Namwanje’s abusive actions were recorded on a neighbour’s phone, which led to her swift arrest after community members reported the shocking footage.
Medical evaluations revealed additional evidence of harm, including a healing wound on the child’s left eye, indicating that Namwanje had physically assaulted the infant during the abuse.
Authorities also confirmed that Namwanje is HIV positive, adding serious health concerns for the child.
In court, Namwanje pleaded for leniency, expressing remorse for her actions.
However, Magistrate Natwijuka dismissed her appeal, emphasizing that her cruelty toward an innocent child warranted a severe sentence as a deterrent and a reflection of society’s commitment to safeguarding children’s welfare.
“Such acts of cruelty are a serious violation of human decency and community trust,” he stated.
This harrowing case has fueled widespread demands across Uganda for tougher penalties and enhanced child protection laws, as citizens and leaders alike call for immediate steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.