Two children die in suspected suffocation incident in Tororo, mother hospitalised

Authorities in Tororo District are investigating the deaths of two young girls in a suspected suffocation incident at Abari Zone in Kirewa Sub-county, while their mother remains hospitalised.

The deceased were identified as Nyapendi Nosiata, 4, and Akello Susan, 2, both residents of Abari C Zone in Kirewa Sub-county, according to Bukedi South Regional Police spokesperson IP Moses Mugwe.

Police said the children's mother, Jane Awor, 22, is receiving treatment as investigations continue.

Preliminary findings indicate that Awor allegedly prepared rice for supper using a charcoal stove inside the sitting room of her house on the evening of June 15 while the children slept in a bedroom.

"Awor later developed dizziness and went to sleep before the food was fully prepared," Mr Mugwe said.

Police said she reportedly woke up at about 4 a.m. and found both children unresponsive on their bed.

"She observed white foam coming from their noses. When she attempted to seek help from her father-in-law, she became weak and sat on the veranda before regaining some strength," Mr Mugwe said.

Her father-in-law later rushed her to a nearby clinic and reported the matter to police.

An inquiry was opened at Kirewa Sub-county Police Station under CRR 028/2026 and Tororo DEF 025/2026.

A team of Scene of Crime Officers and homicide detectives visited and documented the scene, while statements were recorded from witnesses.

The bodies were taken to Tororo Municipal Mortuary for postmortem examination.

Police said investigators established that the family lived in a boys' quarters structure comprising a sitting room and bedroom, with a single entrance and two windows.

Detectives observed excessive heat inside the house and signs of poor ventilation. The children's bodies were found lying on a bed with foam around their noses, while their stomachs appeared swollen.

Investigators also recovered a charcoal stove and partially cooked rice, which had reportedly been moved to a store after the incident.

Preliminary findings suggest the children may have died from suffocation associated with excessive heat generated from cooking inside a poorly ventilated house.

However, police said the exact cause of death will only be established after postmortem results and completion of investigations.

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