By Weswa Ronnie
TORORO
Police in Tororo District are investigating a case of suspected murder by poisoning after a 2-year-old boy died under suspicious circumstances on Monday, June 1, 2026.
The deceased has been identified as Oloka Michael, a minor and resident of Machar West Zone, Mbula Parish, Petta Sub-county, Tororo District.
Police say the child’s mother, Adikini Christine, 19, a housewife and bar attendant at Mulanda Trading Centre, has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently detained at Tororo Police Station.
According to police, the child had been staying with his grandmother, Nyafwono Victoria, while the suspect worked in Mulanda. It is alleged that on May 31, Christine returned home, argued with her mother over her movements, picked up the child, and disappeared to an unknown location.
The following morning, the grandmother reportedly heard the child crying from inside one of the houses in the homestead. She found the boy weak, with white foam smelling of rat poison coming from his mouth. He was rushed to Nagongera Health Centre IV, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police visited the scene, documented it with the SOCO team and homicide detectives, and recorded statements from witnesses. The body was conveyed to Tororo Municipal Mortuary for a postmortem.
Investigators say the suspect was seen buying rat poison from a nearby trading centre. A case has been registered at Petta Sub-county Police Model Station and entered in the Tororo CRB.
ASP Moses J. Mugwe, Bukedi South Region Police Spokesperson, condemned the act, saying it violates the fundamental right to life. He added that investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided.
