Co-wife Burns Husband’s Home and Killed a Baby

A co-wife is suspected to have set ablaze a rented room of her former husband and fire instantly killed a toddler and his elder sister on Thursday night. According to Daily Star, the, suspect was apprehended by police. Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire said  the incident occurred on 1st August 2024 at around 11:00 pm in Kaayi Zone, Nabweru Division, Wakiso District.

In a statement released by Owoyesigyire, fire resulted into the instant death of Emmanauel Onam, a one-year and two months boy who was the son of Martin Ikwaru, 28, a police officer attached to Nabweru police post. Another child, Elizabeth Anorwoth, a three year-old girl sustained severe injuries at was rushed to Kiruddu Hospital where she is currently receiving treatment.

It’s alleged that Ikwaru had separated with his wife Adu Deborah and has gotten another wife just after one week. According to Martin Ikwaru, he discovered the fire at around 11:45 PM when he and his new wife stepped out to take a shower and noticed flames coming from the house. Upon rushing inside, he found his bedroom ablaze. Although he tried to rescue his children, Onam Emmanuel was tragically confirmed dead at the scene due to suspected suffocation and burns.

Items Suspended for Forensic Analysis 

The Territorial Police in Kawempe, along with experts from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services, responded promptly and successfully extinguished the fire. During the investigation, crime scene investigators recovered a matchbox and a small plastic container suspected to contain kerosene. These items have been submitted for forensic analysis.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police have arrested one suspect, Adu Deborah, 25, the ex-wife of Ikwaru , whom he separated from a week ago. She has been detained to aid in the inquiry.

“We strongly condemn any act of violence that leads to the death and injury of innocent individuals and are committed to thoroughly investigating this matter to determine the exact cause of the fire. Further details will be provided as they become available,’’ Owoyesigyire said.