A 45-year-old woman, Juliet Tushabeomwe, has been remanded to prison in Mitooma District, Western Uganda, on allegations that she forced her eight-year-old stepson to swallow 46 sewing needles. She appeared before the Mitooma Chief Magistrate's Court on Thursday, May 7, 2026, where the charges were read.
According to court documents, the incident came to light when the boy complained of severe abdominal pain and was taken to a local health center. X-rays revealed the presence of multiple needles in his stomach and intestines. Medical staff alerted police, leading to the woman's arrest.
The prosecution alleges that Tushabeomwe forced the needles on the child as a form of punishment. The case has drawn widespread attention in Uganda, highlighting issues of child abuse. The magistrate remanded her until May 21, 2026, when the case will be mentioned again.
Police have stated that the boy is receiving medical care and is in stable condition. Doctors are assessing whether surgical intervention is needed to remove the needles. The stepmother faces charges of aggravated assault and child cruelty.
