A magistrates’ court in northern Uganda has cautioned a 22-year-old man after he admitted to having sex with a goat, an offence classified as being “against the order of nature” under the country’s Penal Code.
Emmanuel Ocen pleaded guilty before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Pader District to a charge brought under Section 134(b) of the Penal Code Act. Acting Chief Magistrate Martin Kirya issued a caution following the plea.
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According to court documents, the incident took place on 1 October 2025 in Abilin Nino village, Angangura sub-county, Pader District.
In his testimony, Mr Ocen told the court that he believed he was having sexual intercourse with his girlfriend, only realising later that the animal involved was a goat. He said he was working for a traditional healer at the time and had encountered a woman who had come to seek the healer’s services.
Mr Ocen recounted that a friend later confronted him during the act, prompting him to recognise what had happened.
Prosecutors presented medical and veterinary evidence, including a police report and an assessment by a government veterinarian. The court was told that the goat, which had recently given birth, showed injuries and signs consistent with sexual penetration.
Senior State Attorney Ivan Kyazze said the offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, but asked the court to exercise leniency, noting that the accused was a first-time offender. Defence lawyer Eunice Lakaraber described her client as remorseful and cooperative, and requested a non-custodial outcome.
Elders from the community also addressed the court, outlining traditional cleansing rituals intended to address what they described as a cultural transgression. The process involves ritual practices at the scene and the slaughter of a goat as part of a ceremony meant to restore cultural balance.
In his ruling, Magistrate Kirya described the act as a serious cultural violation but said imprisonment was not appropriate in the circumstances. He cautioned Mr Ocen and said he could choose to undergo the traditional cleansing rituals, which the court noted were recognised under local custom.
Mr Ocen was released after the caution, with the court advising him to comply with both legal expectations and any cultural processes deemed necessary by his community.
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