Police in the Kiira Region have arrested a 44-year-old headteacher accused of defiling a 16-year-old Senior Three student, as investigations continue into the alleged incident reported to have occurred in October 2026.
The suspect, who heads Kiko Primary School in Busede Sub-county, Jinja District, was arrested following inquiries into the alleged sexual assault in Buwuma East Village, Butagaya Sub-county.
Kiira Region Police spokesperson James Mubi confirmed the arrest, saying investigators were also considering action against the victim’s father over allegations that he attempted to negotiate a financial settlement with the suspect’s family instead of pursuing the matter through the justice system.
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“The victim’s father is also reportedly facing possible arrest over allegations that he led a group of people in negotiations with the suspect’s side to seek financial compensation instead of pursuing justice through the appropriate legal channels,” Mubi said.
He condemned attempts to resolve child abuse allegations through monetary compensation, urging parents and guardians to prioritise the safety and rights of victims.
“A child must never be an instrument of personal gain. The child’s safety, dignity and right to justice take precedence over all other interests, including money, family reputation and relationships,” Mubi added.
Agnes Nampijja, an officer attached to the Kiira Regional Child and Family Protection Office handling the case, said the suspect would be taken to court once investigations are concluded.
She added that the teenager had been referred to appropriate care services and was receiving medical treatment and psychological support to help her recover from the reported trauma.
The case comes amid continuing concerns about child sexual abuse in Uganda, with police records showing that perpetrators sometimes include people entrusted with the care and protection of children.
The 2024 Annual Police Crime Report recorded 12,312 defilement cases across the country, representing a 3.4 per cent decline from the 12,771 cases registered in 2023.
The report indicated that 87 children were allegedly defiled by their biological parents, 171 by guardians and 283 by suspects reported to be living with HIV.
Schools also featured in the statistics, with 88 primary school pupils and 190 secondary school students reportedly defiled by teachers.
The report further documented 97 cases involving children with disabilities, while 11,401 cases were attributed to other members of the community.
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