Police in Nakaseke District have apprehended a woman accused of setting her 16-year-old niece on fire following allegations that the teenager stole 400,000 Ugandan shillings. The suspect, identified as Selina Nalukwago, reportedly carried out the horrific act on the evening of Thursday, March 13, at her home in Kyondo village, Kapeeka sub-county.

According to Savannah Regional Police spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima, preliminary investigations indicate that Nalukwago suspected her niece, Bridget Akello, of stealing the money from her home. In a shocking act of vengeance, Nalukwago allegedly bought paraffin, poured it over the fully clothed teenager, and set her on fire inside a locked room.

The victim’s screams for help alerted neighbors, who rushed to the scene and broke into the house. They found Akello suffering from severe burns and quickly took her to a nearby clinic for emergency treatment. Due to the extent of her injuries, she was later transferred to Nakaseke General Hospital and subsequently to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala for advanced medical care.

Police are continuing their investigations into the incident, which has left the community in shock and raised concerns about domestic violence and vigilantism. Nalukwago remains in custody as authorities work to ensure justice for the young victim.