A tragic incident is under investigation in Kisubi, Wakiso district, where a domesticated dog fatally attacked and killed a 3-month-old infant and injured a housemaid. The incident occurred at the Canaan Estate residence in Mawugulu Cell, Katabi Town Council.
On Monday, March 18, 2024, around 10:00 a.m., a dog owned by Dr. Andrew Ekwaro Obuku, the former president of the Uganda Doctor’s Association, escaped from its kennel. The dog then launched a violent attack on Dr. Obuku’s infant son, Raphael, resulting in fatal injuries, as reported by the Entebbe Police Station.
The attack happened while Raphael was under the care of Sharon Nuwarinda, a recently hired housemaid. Nuwarinda recounted that she had placed Raphael on the house’s veranda while she was doing her chores and keeping an eye on him. She noticed the dog approaching aggressively and attempted to rescue the child, but the dog overpowered her, inflicting severe injuries on the boy and biting Nuwarinda’s thigh.
After the attack, the dog returned to its kennel. Nuwarinda’s cries for help attracted the attention of neighbors who rushed to the scene. The deceased child was immediately taken to Kisubi Hospital.
Initial police reports suggest that the dog had shown signs of aggression before and had attempted to attack local residents. The report also noted that the dog’s kennel was not securely fastened, allowing it to escape. The police highlighted that Dr. Obuku’s residence is always locked from the gate, making it difficult for neighbors to assess the situation.
The severity of the attack, particularly the damage to the child’s head and brain, suggests that the dog may have been ill. Following initial treatment at Kisubi Hospital, the child’s body was transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for an autopsy.
For her safety, the housemaid, Nuwarinda, was taken into protective custody at the Entebbe police station.