Father in Viral Video Strangling Son with Mosquito Net Arrested

The Police Cyber Unit, in collaboration with Crime Intelligence, has arrested a man seen in a viral video attempting to strangle his 12-year-old son using a mosquito net. The man has been identified as David Lukwago, while the victim is Morgan Kyola.   

In the video, recorded on a mobile phone and circulating on social media since Saturday, Lukwago is seen wrapping Kyola in a mosquito net as the boy cries for mercy and forgiveness. Despite Kyola’s pleas, Lukwago continues to wrap the net around him. A woman is heard pleading with Lukwago not to strangle the boy, while another man records the incident. 

As the woman begs for Kyola’s life, Lukwago is seen tying the net around the boy’s neck.   Once the video gained attention on social media, the Police Cyber Unit at the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Directorate of Crime Intelligence (DCI) initiated a digital trace to locate the scene of the incident.   

The Cyber Unit and DCI quickly identified the location as Butabira village, Namabu ward, Nyenga Division, in Buikwe District. "Investigations revealed that David Lukwago, a 56-year-old peasant from Mbiko Cell in Njeru Municipality, is the biological father of the victim, Morgan Kyola, a 12-year-old pupil at God's Way Nursery and Primary School," the detectives stated in their report.   

Investigators further uncovered that Lukwago allegedly left Kyola alone in their Butabira village home for nearly a month while he stayed in Mbiko Cell with a concubine. During Lukwago's absence, Kyola sought food at a nearby church and stayed with his uncle, Isma, in Butembe village.

“We established that Lukwago returned home on August 8, 2024, to the Butabira house but found Morgan missing. He found him playing football and returned him home but the boy again escaped. The next day, Lukwago brutally attacked Morgan, wrapping him in a mosquito net and ultimately hanging him from a tree,” investigator’s report further reads.   

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesperson, condemned Lukwago’s actions as unjustifiable and excessive. He confirmed Lukwago’s arrest and added that the suspect allegedly leaves his son with his younger brother while spending nights in Mbiko with his concubine.   

“Uganda Police apprehended Lukwago and is currently in custody. We intend to take him to court to face charges related to child abuse and torture. We also urge the public to remain vigilant about children’s rights, as outlined in the laws that protect the rights of children,” ACP Rusoke said.

Unfortunately, children often suffer serious injuries or lose their lives at the hands of parents, relatives, guardians, or caretakers. Some have been tortured or killed for minor infractions, such as allegedly stealing a piece of beef or small amounts of money.