Police in Kampala have kicked off a manhunt for a woman who is accused of burning her own four year old daughter over theft of food that had been kept at home.

Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, Racheal Kawala said on Monday Maclean Abaki is currently on the run after allegedly burning her own daughter in an incident that happened in Kyambogo, Nakawa Division.

"Preliminary findings indicate that the four year old child was burnt with hot water from a kettle by her biological mother who accused her of eating rice in her absence," Kawala said.

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Police said , after the incident, Abaki fled the scene, adding that the hunt is currently on.

In the past, there have been several cases of child torture and abuse.

The 2025 police annual crime report indicated that 710 cases of child abuse and torture were reported last year, representing a 9.7% reduction from the 787 cases reported the previous year.

Wamala Region registered the highest number with 136 cases while Kampala North and Kampala South recorded 56 and 51 cases respectively.

On the other hand, Mityana recorded the highest number of cases among districts with 115 cases with Busia , Jinja, Kaliro and Mubende recording 25, 21, and 16 cases respectively.

Speaking on Monday, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson warned members of the public against torture of children.

"Police condemns all forms of child abuse and torture. We urge guardians and parents to protect children and resolve disciplinary issues without resorting to violence," Kawala urged.