Mbarara, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | A lecturer from Bishop Stuart University, Doreen Atwongyirwe, has been placed in remand by the Mbarara Magistrate’s court on accusations of grievous harm. She is alleged to have poured hot water on her domestic worker, Anita Kansiime.
Atwongyirwe, who resides in Katete Central Cell, appeared before Magistrate Esther Bagala on Thursday. The charges stem from an incident on September 25, 2024, where she is accused of causing serious injuries to Kansiime, which violates section 199(a) of the Penal Code Act.
During the court hearing, it was revealed that the accused allegedly poured hot water on her maid, inflicting severe burns. Kansiime is currently undergoing treatment at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
Kansiime reported that the altercation occurred when Atwongyirwe became upset after discovering her bathing her children late in the day. In a fit of anger, Atwongyirwe allegedly took a jug of hot water meant for one of the children and threw it on Kansiime, causing significant burns.
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Magistrate Bagala did not accept a plea from Atwongyirwe, citing the court’s lack of authority over such a serious matter. Consequently, Atwongyirwe was remanded to Mbarara Government Main Prison and is scheduled to appear again in court on October 15 for further proceedings.
Steven Muganga, a human rights advocate, strongly condemned the alleged act, emphasizing that it is particularly shameful for an individual in a position of trust, like a university lecturer, to engage in such behavior and seek to avoid accountability.
