Shock and grief gripped residents of Kalagala village in Kayunga District in central Uganda when a 26-year-old woman allegedly drowned her three children in River Nile.

The woman, who lives a stone-throw away from River Nile, reportedly drowned the children aged six, four and three-month-old. The suspect’s mother said her daughter left with the children to an unknown place on Monday at 5:30pm, East Africa Time.

She said the suspect separated with her husband a month ago. “After peeling matooke (bananas) for supper with her, she picked her three children and went with them to an unknown place. She didn’t tell me where she was going, but I thought she was going to the neighbourhood because she looked happy,” she said.

She added that after 45 minutes, an area resident came running to her home and informed her that her daughter had thrown the children into River Nile.

“After receiving the news, we rushed to the river where we found my daughter with her clothes drenched in water. She also confirmed to us that she had thrown the children into the river.”

Charged with murder

Furious residents later arrested the suspect and handed her over to Kangulumira Police Station. Fishermen tried to search for the bodies, but only managed to retrieve one which was taken to Kayunga Hospital for a post-mortem.

The officer in-charge of Kangulumira Police Post, Mr Francis Jotono, said the suspect, who was later transferred to Kayunga Police Station, told police that she was forced to drown her children after her husband refused to provide food, medical care and clothing.

At Kayunga Police Station, the suspect, who appeared composed, said after drowning her children, she also jumped into the river with an intention of committing suicide, but said she was not aware of how she came out of the river alive.

“I was angry because my husband refused to provide all necessities to the children. The children had no food and were crying so I thought dying with them was the best option,” she said.

The district CID, Mr John Dhabangi, said a search for bodies of the two children was still ongoing, as investigations continue. He said the suspect would be taken for medical check up to ascertain her mental state before being charged with murder.