KANUNGU UGANDA: A two-and-a-half-year-old boy has died after he was allegedly beaten by his stepmother in Kanungu District, prompting police to arrest a 26-year-old suspect.

The territorial police in Kanungu identified the suspect as Shivan Orishaba, while the deceased was identified as Salvan Akankwasa, son of Karimu Nyuga, a resident of Kameme Cell, Kibimbiri Parish, Kihihi Sub-county, Kanungu District.

The incident happened on May 2, 2026, at around 11:30am in Kameme Cell.

It is alleged that the father of the deceased had been staying in Rukungiri District with his first wife, who is the mother of the child, but the two later separated.

He reportedly left her in Rukungiri and moved to Kameme Village in Kihihi for casual work. While there, he began cohabiting with the suspect, and they had been living together for about six months.

Two weeks ago, the man reportedly brought the child to live with him and the suspect.

It is further alleged that on May 1, 2026, the suspect severely assaulted the child. He was rushed to Kihihi Health Centre IV, where he was pronounced dead on May 2, 2026, at around 11:30am.

According to ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson, investigations were immediately launched, the body of the deceased was examined, and the suspect was arrested.

Inquiries into the matter are ongoing.