Family Turmoil Unfolds As 50-Year-Old Father Brutally Beaten By Children Over Selling Family Land

Kayunga, January 15, 2024 – In a shocking incident, a 50-year-old man in Kisaaba Village, Kayunga Town Council, Kayunga District, is recovering from injuries sustained after being beaten by his own children for allegedly selling family land. The victim, Mr. Kanu Mugwere, a mason, suffered severe wounds on the head and leg, expressing pain in the chest and abdomen.

Mr. Mugwere claimed that he sold the family land for Shs1.5 million to secure funds for the treatment of one of his children suffering from a mental illness at Butabika National Mental Hospital. However, his decision was met with strong opposition from his 20-year-old son and 25-year-old married daughter, who stormed his home in protest.

The confrontation escalated into violence, with Mr. Mugwere narrating, “They asked me why I had sold the plot, and later pounced on me and started beating me severely until I collapsed and fell on the ground.” Despite the alleged flogging, bystanders refused to intervene, citing fatigue from the family’s recurring disputes.

Reporting the incident, Mr. Mugwere stated that this was not the first time he had been assaulted by his children, expressing frustration at their disrespect towards him. He mentioned contemplating selling his house and leaving the family.

Last Friday, Mr. Mugwere filed an assault case at Kayunga Central Police Station, emphasizing his ownership of the land in question. One of the accused children, Mr. Isaac Kanu, defended their actions, claiming that Mugwere sold part of the land on which the family house sits, leading to their outrage.

Community leaders, including Mr. Abu Ssebuliba, the Kisaaba Village chairman, have been involved in mediating previous family disputes. Mr. Ssebuliba suggested involving the police, stating, “I advised him to take the matter to the police because, as area leaders, we are fed up with the family fights.”

Ms. Hellen Alikobam, the Kayunga District police officer-in-charge of the Family and Child Protection Unit, indicated that they advised Mr. Mugwere to settle the dispute with his family. However, if reconciliation fails, the police will initiate criminal cases against the alleged culprits. Mr. Mugwere is currently receiving treatment at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital as the community grapples with the aftermath of the disturbing incident.