Police in Jinja city are holding 41-year-old Judith Baliraine for allegedly torturing her 8-year-old stepsister, who nearly lost her life. A resident of Bukware, Nakanyonyi cell in Bugembe, Jinja City, the social worker [suspect] was arrested on Friday, December 14, 2024, after disturbing pictures of the young girl’s condition went viral on social media.
Baliraine, who works as a clerk in the Department of Agriculture at Madhvani Factory in Jinja, is accused of committing aggravated torture between September 2014 and December 9, 2024, at her residence in Jinja Northern Division.
It is reported that the victim had been living with the suspect since September 2024, after Baliraine requested her stepmother to send a child who could stay with her children and play together. The stepmother agreed and arranged for the child to stay with Baliraine.
“Hellen Judith Baliraine allegedly tortured the child. After critically observing the imminent death of the child, she took her to Bugembe Health Centre IV for medical attention and treatment,” said SP James Mubi, Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, in a statement on Friday.
Baliraine’s cruel actions came to light when she took the bruised child to Bugembe Health Centre IV for medical care after realizing her victim’s health was deteriorating.
“The clinical officers on duty observed that the caretaker did not want a physical examination of the child, but the medical team went ahead and examined her. They observed multiple wounds, both fresh and healed, underweight, and signs of malnutrition,” Mubi added.
The facility management reported the case to Bugembe police station, prompting action against the suspect, who allegedly tried to avoid apprehension before being transferred to Jinja Central Police Station (CPS).
On December 13, social media reports suggested that the suspect had been released on police bond at CPS Jinja Central due to political pressure from influential politicians in Jinja who allegedly ordered her immediate release.
However, in a statement, police described the social media information as “inaccurate,” confirming that the accused is still in their custody at Nalufenya Police Station.
“To set the record straight, the suspect is still in police custody at Nalufenya Police Station on a sanctioned case file of aggravated torture, pending court appearance on Monday, December 16, 2024,” Mubi emphasized.
The Kiira Regional Criminal Investigation Directorate (R/CID) Chief, SSP Monday Johnson Agaba, stated that criminal proceedings would be initiated against individuals who encourage, finance, or support torture.
“Torture is prohibited and criminal,” SSP Agaba said.
According to Mubi, investigations have been initiated, with the victim undergoing medical examination, and the suspect also being assessed to determine her mental status.
Notably, Baliraine is a Christian leader at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe, but her actions have been condemned by church members, who described the practice as unlawful and satanic.
“Very sorry, Cathedral family, for what has happened! It is unfortunate for the poor little girl. As part of the cathedral family that has been implicated, we take responsibility first of all to pray for and provide all the necessary assistance to the victim,” said a church member.
He added, “On the other hand, it is our responsibility to pray for and counsel our member who is implicated. We do not know what led her to do this, but it is a personal, rather than a cathedral decision, that caused all this!”
Mr. Joel Daniel Ntuyo, the LC1 Chairperson of Nakanyonyi – Bukwaale village, revealed the troubling behavior of Baliraine, noting that she recently hired a housemaid whom she allegedly mistreated, even denying her food.
He said the suspect had been warned on several occasions, but her behavior did not improve.
“It is unfortunate that this is done by a church member. How could you really do such acts to a minor? Imagine, these are the people who sit at the front seats in church,” the chairperson wondered, calling for justice for the young girl.
Upendo Children’s Ministry, a children’s home in Jinja city, is reportedly taking care of the child and managing her health.
Police commended the public for their concern and the various stakeholders who have demanded justice for the victim. Mubi said, “The police remain committed to the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against children.”
