Mother Who Poured Hot Boiling Water on Four Year Old Daughter Arrested

Police have arrested a woman accused of brutally scalding her four-year-old biological daughter with boiling water for allegedly eating rice without permission.

The suspect, identified as Zabaki Maklean, was arrested by officers attached to Jinja Road Police Division after spending nearly a week on the run following the shocking incident.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect was tracked down after residents alerted police that she had returned to the area.

According to Police, the incident happened on July 31, 2026, at K3 Village in Nakawa Division, Kampala.

It is alleged that Zabaki became enraged after finding the child had eaten rice in the absence of her mother. She reportedly poured boiling water from a kettle onto the little girl, severely burning both her hands.

After the alleged assault, the suspect reportedly fled into hiding.

Police said residents later spotted her back in the village and tipped off officers, who swiftly arrested her in Kyambogo, Nakawa Division.

The suspect is currently being held at Jinja Road Police Division as investigations continue, awaiting her production in Court.

Kawala condemned the alleged act and urged parents and guardians to exercise self-control when disciplining children.

“Parents should desist from acting impulsively and out of anger. Such behaviour is unacceptable and is condemned by the Police,” she said.

The injured child is receiving care as Police continue gathering evidence to support the ongoing investigations.