Father Arrested for Machete Attack on Son in Lwengo

Police in Lwengo District have apprehended Gonzaga Luwaga, 40, for a heinous act of alleged domestic violence. Luwaga is accused of brutally hacking his young son with a machete and then attempting to hide the severely injured child within a tarpaulin, with disturbing reports suggesting an intent to set him ablaze.

The horrific incident unfolded after the boy allegedly refused to reveal his mother’s location to his father. Luwaga had reportedly accused his wife of stealing coffee beans after returning from a drinking spree.

The child sustained deep lacerations to his head, face, and hands, in addition to being beaten with sticks. Local council chairperson, Mr. Fred Kyalikunda, who was alerted by neighbors, intervened at the scene. “I intervened and found the boy badly injured and in severe pain. We immediately apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police,” Mr. Kyalikunda stated, condemning the escalating violence against children.

Speaking to neighbors, the injured boy revealed that his father had a history of routine domestic abuse against both him and his mother. The boy’s mother, Ms. Fatumah Kwiiza, expressed her deep fear and recounted years of marital distress, indicating plans to seek refuge with her parents.

Police spokesperson, Mr. Twaha Kasirye, confirmed the arrest, announcing that Luwaga will face charges of attempted murder and aggravated child abuse once investigations conclude. The incident has sparked outrage, with residents blaming a lack of oversight on unregulated alcohol consumption and local lawlessness for contributing to such brutality.

Authorities have pledged to crack down on bars operating during daytime hours, citing rampant alcohol abuse as a significant driver of domestic violence in the district. This case highlights a worrying trend of child abuse across Uganda, with thousands of cases reported annually, many in rural areas going unreported. Child rights advocates urge stricter enforcement of child protection laws and action on underlying issues like substance abuse and poverty to safeguard children.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)