In the usually quiet village of Kateete, Mukono municipality, a shocking incident has shaken the community.
What started as a normal day turned into a nightmare for Sylivia Achola, a pregnant woman, and her twelve-year-old daughter when they were viciously attacked with acid.
The attack, reportedly done by Prosy Awusi, Achola’s co-wife, has left the victims in terrible pain and the whole village in disbelief.
This terrible act has sparked outrage, especially after the Nakifuma court in Mukono Municipality decided to grant bail to Prosy Awusi, the main suspect.
Many people are upset and questioning how such a serious crime could be met with such a light response.
The decision to release Awusi has added to the pain and anger felt by the victims’ families and the community, who expected better protection from the legal system.
Geoffrey Luyima Migadde, a neighbour who lives close to the victims, described how he came home from the trading centre to find Achola’s young daughter running through the village, screaming for help.
Her cries alerted others to the terrible attack that had just taken place, leading to Awusi’s arrest later that day at Naggalama police station.
To find out what had happened, she told him that ‘Maama Queen’, the nickname for Awusi—had burned them with hot water.
Seeing the girl’s severely burned skin, Migadde rushed her to the nearest clinic. There, it was determined that the burns were caused by acid, not just hot water.
First aid was given before the girl was sent to Naggalama Regional Referral Hospital for further treatment.
Migadde then alerted other residents, who quickly came to help. They poured water on Achola to help cool her burns before taking her to Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital.
Throughout this, the crime scene remained intact. Police used a sniffer dog to track down Awusi, leading them to Sunday Mayombwe’s home, the husband.
The dog’s trace confirmed the victims’ claims about the attack. Awusi was arrested and taken to Naggalama Police Station, where a case file was opened under CRB No. 669/2024.
Residents, including Migadde and Tito Mayimbo, who were closely following the case at the police station, were told that Awusi would be brought before the court the next day.
However, after leaving the police station, they learned that Awusi had already been taken to court. They rushed there but discovered that the case had already been dealt with.
In their quest for justice, the concerned residents asked the court about Awusi’s whereabouts.
They were informed that she had been remanded at either Nakifuma or Kauga prison in Mukono.
They were advised not to worry and to return to court on August 28, when Awusi would appear again.
To their surprise, just three days later, they saw Awusi back in the community.
Joined by Michael Kawuka, the father of the young girl who was attacked, they decided to visit the court for more information.
At the court, residents discovered that Awusi was charged with grievous harm against the two victims.
Despite the serious charges, she denied the claims and was granted bail of Ugx1 million.
Since the victims, who were in the hospital, could not attend court, and the concerned residents had been denied crucial information, the State Attorney did not object to the bail.
Kawuka, who had been married to Achola for over five years before their separation, learned that Awusi’s attack stemmed from a hidden relationship between Achola and Sunday Mayombwe.
After discovering this, Awusi allegedly bought acid and used it in the attack.
Achola and her daughter have been receiving treatment at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital and were recently transferred to Mulago National Hospital for further care.
The situation is dire: Achola, who sustained severe burns on her stomach, hand, and thighs, is in excruciating pain.
The young girl, who cannot speak, has severe burns covering her back and parts of her head, face, and limbs.
She is being fed through tubes and struggling with other health issues.
Thanks to the efforts of concerned residents and the girl’s father, the case was brought to the attention of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka.
The RDC has requested that the Regional State Attorney review the case file and it has been summoned.
Ndisaba Nabitaka expressed surprise at how the case was downgraded from attempted murder to grievous harm and at the swift bail granted to Awusi.
She has called on good Samaritans to support the victims and explore various ways to assist them during their hospital stay.
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