Toddler Dies in Suspected Poisoning,

Police Investigate in Kanungu
Police in Kanungu District have launched an investigation into the suspected poisoning and death of a one-year and nine-month-old girl under unclear circumstances.

The deceased, identified as Kato Pauline, was the daughter of Oudira Tushabahurira, a resident of Mushunga Cell, Kiringa Parish in Kambuga Sub-county.

According to police, the child reportedly fell ill on June 13, 2025, after being found drinking an unknown liquid while playing at the home of a neighbor, Sunday Fauster, who is now the prime suspect in the case.

Kato was initially taken to Kambuga Hospital for treatment, but her condition worsened, prompting a referral to Bwindi Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on the morning of June 15, 2025.

Authorities were notified the following day, and officers from the Kanungu police visited the scene. A white plastic bottle containing a suspicious liquid with a strong odor was recovered and submitted as an exhibit. A postmortem was conducted at Kambuga Hospital, and several body organs were extracted for forensic testing at the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL).

In a disturbing turn of events, the suspect, Sunday Fauster, was reportedly attacked by a mob before being rescued by police. He is currently admitted to Kambuga Hospital under tight security as investigations continue.

ASP Elly Maate the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson,confirmed the incident and described it as tragic and added that they have opened a case of suspected murder by poisoning.

Maate officers documented the scene, recovered critical evidence, and submitted body samples for toxicological analysis. The suspect, who was assaulted by members of the community, is under police guard at Kambuga Hospital. Investigations are ongoing.

Police have appealed to the public for patience and cooperation, and have warned against mob justice, urging residents to allow the legal process to take its course.