The death of a one-year-and-nine-month-old girl in Kanungu has sparked widespread concern over child safety and the unregulated presence of hazardous substances in homes, especially in rural communities.
Pauline Kato, daughter of Oudira Tushabahurira, died on Sunday, June 16, after reportedly ingesting an unknown liquid while playing at a neighbor’s home in Mushunga Cell, Kiringa Parish, Kambuga Sub County.
According to preliminary police findings, the incident occurred on Friday, June 14, when Pauline was left playing at the home of a neighbor, identified as Sunday Fauster. When her mother went to collect her, she allegedly found the child drinking from a bottle containing an unidentified liquid, while the neighbor looked on passively.
Shortly after returning home, the child began exhibiting signs of severe medical distress. She was rushed to Kambuga Hospital, then referred to Bwindi Community Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The case was officially reported to police on Monday, June 17, by the grieving mother. Officers responded by documenting the scene and retrieving a white bottle containing a foul-smelling substance, which was taken as key evidence.
A postmortem examination was conducted at Kambuga Hospital, and samples of Pauline’s internal organs were sent to the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) to determine the nature of the substance she ingested and whether it played a direct role in her death.
“We are actively investigating the matter, including whether negligence was involved,” Elly Maate, spokesperson for the Kigezi Region Police revealed while speaking to media.
“We also strongly urge the public to handle and store all chemical substances safely. Children are naturally curious, and just a moment of inattention can be fatal,” he added.
News of Pauline’s death triggered shock and anger in the local community today and furious residents attempted to attack the neighbor, Fauster, whom they blamed for negligence. He was, however, rescued by police and is currently being treated under police guard at Kambuga Hospital.
Authorities have called for calm as investigations proceed, warning against mob justice, which they say threatens the rule of law and can hinder legal proceedings.
The tragedy has reignited calls from public health experts and child safety advocates for stricter regulation and better community awareness about the safe storage of household chemicals such as pesticides, detergents, and other toxic substances, many of which are kept in unlabeled bottles or within reach of children.
“This heartbreaking incident could happen to any family,” John Kisambu, a pediatric health officer in Kanungu, stated.
“We need to do more to educate parents and guardians about these risks. A child should never have access to anything that could end their life so easily,” he added.
He added that the government should consider implementing more stringent labeling laws, safety campaigns, and routine inspections in rural areas to reduce these preventable tragedies.
As the forensic analysis continues, young Pauline’s death has left an indelible mark on her family and community. It stands as a tragic reminder of how ordinary household chemicals can pose lethal threats to children if proper precautions are not taken.
