A stepmother who has spent almost two months on remand in Hoima government prison for allegedly burning her stepson’s hands has finally been granted court bail.
Mildred Alituha, a resident of Itara Cell in Hoima West City Division was apprehended in September this year on charges of burning Elvis Wembabazi, 6, for purportedly failing to assist in household chores.
The brutal act resulted in the suspect’s arraignment before court which remanded her until Thursday, November 9, 2023, when court presided over by the Hoima Chief Magistrate, His Worship George Nfitundinda, released her on a cash bail of Shs1m.
Although Alituha has been released on bail, this has been done to the chagrin of the victim’s mother, Hilda Musimenta, who, with tears rolling down her cheeks, faults the Temple of Justice for being inconsiderate of the boy’s health following the brutal act against him.
Musimenta wonders that although she fulfilled the magistrate’s demand for her to adduce evidence of Wembabazi’s health by taking him to court physically, she was surprised while in the dock to hear Mr Nfitundinda say the court session was meant to grant bail to Alituha.
She urges the court to summon little Wembabazi’s father, Ian Byabasaija, to compel him to take care of his son.
Godfrey Musinguzi, the maternal grandfather to Wembabazi accuses his son Byabasaija of purportedly not taking care of his son ever since he was burnt.
He appeals to the judicial sector of Uganda to act accordingly and ensure that Wembabazi gets justice.
Robinah Tibakanya, a human rights defender in Hoima, wants justice to prevail for Wembabazi whose fingers she reported are gradually becoming deformed.
She calls upon charity organisations to come to the child’s rescue.
