By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
Rwampara
A father in Rwampara district has been arrested for aggravated torture and death of his 18-year-old son. Richard Mucunguzi allegedly tortured his son, Davis Besisira, after the teenager misplaced Shs 640,000 meant for his school fees.
Mucunguzi reportedly retrieved his son from his aunt’s place where he had ran to seek refuge and subjected him to torture until the next morning.
SSP Samson Kasasira revealed to this paper that the victim was later rescued by the area councillor and taken back to school, but his condition worsened. He was rushed to Kinoni Health Centre IV, where he was pronounced dead on Saturday at around 4 PM.
Police has condemned the act and conveyed the body of the deceased to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination.
“We would like to caution all parents, who usually do not see anything wrong with sticks parenting methods; and use harsh punishments as a method of disciplining their children, that it is a form of child abuse and must be stopped. Such brutal beatings are a reminder to our children that even parents whom they see as guardians can also be dangerous”adds Kasasira.
Police has urged all members of the public to remain vigilant and on the lookout for families where children live in fear and always cover abuses against them. They are further advised to cooperate with other stakeholders in schools, neighbourhood, LCs, Probation and CFPU.
