A 45-year-old man in Kikuube district is under police guard at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital after allegedly poisoning his four children, killing three of them in an alarming incident that has shocked the Albertine region.
The suspect, identified as Wilson Kiiza, a market vendor at Duhaga roundabout in Hoima City, is said to have lured his children into taking a poisoned drink after he requested to see them from his estranged wife, Jacinta Lucia, with whom he had separated over six months ago.
The children, aged between 4 and 9 years, all attended Hoima Public Primary School. They were reportedly given water mixed with a suspicious pink substance, followed by soda, during the fatal encounter on Saturday afternoon, August 2, in Ngogoma village, Kinogozi parish, Buhiimba sub-county.
Victims Were All Learners at Hoima Public Primary School
The deceased have been identified as:
- Solomon Asaba (9), Primary Five
- Wilson Asinguza (6), Primary One
- Happy Atugonza (4), Baby Class
The fourth child, who remains hospitalized, is fighting for their life alongside their father.
Two of the children were pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, while the third died later that night.
The incident has cast a dark cloud over Hoima Public Primary School, where both the children studied and their mother, Jacinta, informally sells cassava to pupils.
Headteacher Harriet Karungi Basemera condemned the act, calling it “a disgrace.”
“We have lost three learners because of one careless father. This is heartbreaking. Parents must avoid turning their children into victims of their conflicts,” she said.
Police Confirm Charges as Community Seeks Answers
Simplicio Tusiime, the LC1 Chairperson of Ngogoma village, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“We don’t know what caused this man to do this act. We are all in shock. The children were innocent,” Tusiime told reporters.
The Albertine Region Police Spokesperson, Julius Hakiza, confirmed the case and revealed that investigations are underway.
“We have preferred a charge of murder by poisoning. However, we await guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the final charges,” Hakiza said.
“The suspect is currently receiving treatment under police guard and will be arraigned in court as soon as he is medically stable.”
Rising Concerns Over Domestic Conflicts and Child Safety
This heartbreaking incident has reignited national concern over domestic violence, mental health, and child safety, particularly in rural communities where support systems are limited.
While the motive remains unconfirmed, early reports suggest prior misunderstandings between Kiiza and his wife may have influenced the tragic events.
Authorities and civil society actors in Kikuube and Hoima are calling for immediate psychosocial support for the surviving child, the bereaved family, and the affected school community.
Funeral arrangements for the three children are underway, with hundreds expected to attend in solidarity and mourning.
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