Summary:
- Former President of Uganda Medical Association, Dr. Andrew Obuku, tragically lost his son, Raphael, when their family dog attacked him at their home in Wakiso District. The dog had a history of aggression, and despite efforts by their housekeeper to intervene, the attack proved fatal. Police are investigating the incident, with a postmortem examination pending at Mulago Hospital.
Dr. Andrew Obuku, the former President of the Uganda Medical Association, suffered a heartbreaking loss on Monday when his young son fell victim to a tragic incident involving their family dog, as stated in a police report.
The incident unfolded at their residence in Canaan Estate, Mawugulu Cell, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District. According to investigations conducted jointly by Kisubi and Entebbe police stations, the family dog managed to escape from its kennel and launched a violent attack on Dr. Obuku’s son, Raphael, who was under the care of a housekeeper.
The housekeeper, identified as Sharon Nuwarinda, had placed Raphael on the veranda while attending to her duties elsewhere when the dog broke free. She attempted to shield the child from the attacking dog, but tragically, the animal overpowered her, inflicting severe injuries on both Raphael and herself.
The police report indicates that despite Nuwarinda’s efforts to fend off the dog and raise alarm, the canine fatally bit Raphael, severing his head. In the chaos of the attack, Nuwarinda also sustained a bite to her leg.
Shockingly, after the fatal incident, the dog returned to its kennel, leaving a scene of devastation behind. The police report highlights previous instances of the dog’s aggressive behavior towards neighbors, exacerbated by the family’s practice of keeping the gate locked, hindering any immediate intervention.
In light of this tragedy, the police issued a warning to dog owners in the area to exercise caution and ensure proper control over their pets. Investigations are ongoing, with a postmortem examination scheduled to be conducted at Mulago Hospital.
