A Ugandan nanny caught on camera horrifically abusing a toddler under her care has been jailed for four years.

Jolly Tumuhiirwe, 22, pleaded guilty last week to assaulting the 18-month-old child in her care.

The abuse was uncovered by the girl’s father, Eric Kamanzi, when he secretly installed a camera in his living room after noticing his young daughter was subdued and bruised.

Shocking footage – later viewed by the court – showed Tumuhiirwe hitting the child viciously, throwing her on to the stone floor and then pressing her foot down on her small body.

Mr Kamanzi uploaded the footage to Facebook, where it was shared by a friend, before going viral. It has now been viewed almost 30 million times, provoking a widespread debate about the state of childcare in Uganda.

Tumuhiirwe claimed in court she had abused the child because she had been beaten by the girl’s mother.

Jolly Tumuhiirwe, 22, in court last week (AFP)

The case has led to calls for greater childcare regulations, with some officials suggesting child-minders must be verified before they can care for children.

Today, Tumuhiirwe’s lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi said the punishment was appropriate and he does not intend to appeal.

Mr Rwakafuuzi said the court "spoke for many Ugandans."

The unnamed toddler is now reported to be doing well.