Five Years' Imprisonment for Wakiso Man Who Assaulted and Threatened His Parents

A 22-year-old man from Wakiso District has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of repeatedly assaulting his parents and threatening to kill them, according to a report that credits an unnamed source.

The report says Lawrence Barugahare was convicted on Monday by Judge Happy Monica of the Kajjansi Court and ordered to serve his sentence at Kigo Prison. This account has not been independently confirmed, and details such as the date and charges should be checked against court records or other news outlets.

His mother, Namanya Dina, told the court that her son began drinking alcohol while still in Primary Three, and that his drinking worsened over the years and was followed by violent behaviour at home. She and her husband said the beatings left them living in fear and unable to enjoy peace in their own home. They also said he threatened to kill them. After the sentencing, the parents said they welcomed the decision and could now live without the constant fear of attack. They said they hope his time in prison will help him change his behaviour and deal with his alcohol-related problems.

Violence against parents by adult children is often underreported. Families may be ashamed, afraid of retaliation, or reluctant to see a child imprisoned, so when parents finally go to court, it usually means the situation has become unbearable. Alcohol dependence, particularly when it starts in childhood, is frequently a factor in such cases, though it never excuses violence.

The case raises questions beyond the verdict. The parents may need support after years of fear, including counselling and safe arrangements. The young man will need access to alcohol treatment, since prison alone rarely resolves addiction and the same pattern can return on release. The wider community also has to ask what early help exists for children who begin drinking very young, and for families who notice the warning signs.

Families facing similar situations in Uganda can approach local police family and child protection units, community leaders, health centres, and counselling or addiction services run by hospitals and faith-based and civil society organisations. Anyone in immediate danger should contact the police.

This article relies on a single secondary source and has not been verified. The mother's account of her son's drinking history is her testimony, not an established fact. Everyone referenced remains entitled to fair treatment, and readers are encouraged to consult court records or established Ugandan outlets for confirmation.