By Gad Masereka
Kitgum: Court in Kitgum District on Friday sentenced Sylivia Komuhangi,32, to two years in jail after convicting her of injecting a baby with blood infected with HIV/AIDS virus in December last year.
Komuhangi was convicted by Chief Magistrate Hussein Nasulu Ntalo for the heinous act.
Komuhangi was accused together with Grace Aneno, whom however was acquitted of the charges. Chief Magistrate Ntalo said court had adduced enough evidence from seven witnesses, including the doctor who examined the child and tested Komuhangi and it turned out that she is infected. “The baby sitter, the crime officers who visited the scene and many others, all testified against Kamuhangi. Also, DNA blood samples taken from her at the government analytical lab in Kampala and the blood-stained clothes all indicated she was the actual offender,’’ the Chief Magistrate said.
He then ordered the immediate transfer of the convict to Luzira prison before she could infect more people with the same virus. Prosecution stated that on December 26, 2018 at about 9:00pm, Eunice Lakot, the victim’s mother, had left the child with a baby-sitter before Kamuhangi carried him away to the bedroom as Aneno watched. Kamuhangi later returned the baby crying. When Lakot examined her baby after the duo had left, she found he had small swelling in both armpits.
She took the baby to Kitgum hospital where the doctors confirmed the swellings were as a result of an injection. The child was put on PEP (Post-exposure Prophylaxis), an antiretroviral medication that prevents infection after being exposed to HIV. Lakot reported the matter to Ronald Okot, the village chairperson of Gangdyang Cell, before she recorded a statement at Kitgum Central Police Station. The duo was arrested the following day. However, Lakot expressed her disappointment at the judgment, saying Komuhangi should have been sentenced to more years considering the fact that the nature of the crime was a capital offence. However, she said she respects the ruling given the fact that her child was not infected.
