Police in Uganda’s mid-western region have launched a murder investigation after a man allegedly poisoned himself and his four children, resulting in the deaths of three of the children and leaving the fourth in critical condition.
The suspect, 44-year-old Wilson Kiiza, a market vendor from Ngogoma Village in Kikuube District, is currently receiving treatment at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital alongside his surviving child. The incident is believed to be linked to ongoing domestic disputes between Kiiza and his estranged wife.
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Authorities say the tragedy unfolded on Saturday when Kiiza’s children—aged 14, 12, 8, and 5—visited him from their mother’s home in Hoima East City Division. According to community leaders and an audio message reportedly recorded by one of the children before death, Kiiza took them to a nearby banana plantation and gave them a liquid he claimed was cough syrup, followed by bottles of soda.
“Our father called us into the banana plantation and gave us what he said was cough medicine. He mixed some pink tablets with water, gave it to us, and then offered soda. After drinking it, we started feeling sick,” a child’s voice was heard in the recording shared with local officials.
Wilson Isingoma, the village’s secretary for defence, responded to an alert and found the children in a severely weakened state. He coordinated emergency transport to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital with the help of the LC1 chairperson. Two children were declared dead on arrival, while the third passed away later that evening.
Family members expressed shock at the incident. Kiiza’s sister, Grace Nyakahara, recounted how he returned from the plantation carrying two of the children, claiming to feel unwell himself. She offered him a room to rest before the family rushed them all to hospital as their conditions worsened.
“This is an unbearable loss,” said Sam Kahumuza, Kiiza’s uncle. “It’s something no family should ever go through. We must reflect deeply on how to handle conflict in families.”
Police spokesperson for the Albertine Region, Julius Hakiza, confirmed that Kiiza is facing charges of murder by poisoning.
“He will be charged as soon as he is medically fit to face the law,” Mr Hakiza said. “This case demonstrates the tragic outcomes that can result from unresolved family conflicts. We urge families to pursue peaceful and constructive solutions.”
The case has shocked residents of Kikuube District and reignited concerns over domestic violence and mental health challenges in communities.
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