Uganda | Nanny given 4 years for assaulting toddler

A Ugandan nanny convicted of assaulting a toddler has been sentenced to four years in jail. The maid, Jolly Tumuhiirwe, 22, pleaded guilty last week to assaulting a toddler in her care. The case sparked outrage in this East African country after video footage circulated that appeared to show the nanny beating a child under the age of 2. Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi, the nanny’s lawyer, said yesterday the punishment is appropriate and he does not intend to appeal. He said the court “spoke for many Ugandans.” The nanny said in court she had been driven to inflict violence on the child because she herself was being mistreated by her employers. The case has led to calls by some officials for the child-minders to be certified before they can be employed.

Belgium | Strike paralyzes traffic, idles industry

A general strike in Belgium paralyzed air and rail traffic and idled companies throughout the country yesterday, as trade unions capped a month of protests against government austerity policies. Yesterday’s strike targeted measures by the nation’s business-friendly government to cut into employees’ income, extend working hours and restrict social services. The strike also had an immediate international impact since it effectively shut down Brussels Airport, a busy hub with connections throughout Europe and beyond. Airport spokeswoman Florence Muls said some 600 flights had been canceled, affecting 50,000 passengers. The strike did not stop the European Union’s foreign ministers from meeting at the European Council building in Brussels. The series of labor actions, the toughest in years, started last month with a demonstration that drew 120,000 protesters.