The family of a 14-year-old pupil who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a dormitory warden at a Catholic-run school in Moroto municipality says they are living in fear after receiving threats from members of the community and church leaders.
The warden, along with the head teacher and deputy head teacher of Child Jesus Primary School, was arrested in July over the incident. While the deputy head teacher has since been released on bail, the warden and head teacher remain in custody at Singila Prison until at least 28 August 2025.
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Despite the ongoing legal process, the boy’s family claims they have faced hostility from some church members and sections of the community, who accuse them of damaging the school’s and the Catholic Church’s reputation by speaking out.
Simon Peter Lotimo, the boy’s father, said the head teacher had previously warned his son not to disclose the abuse. He explained that the boy’s twin brother was the only one permitted to go home, but the victim eventually escaped and confided in his mother.
The boy later testified that the warden had been abusing him and other pupils and was quietly taken to Moroto Regional Referral Hospital for treatment when he developed health complications.
Mr Lotimo said his family is under intense strain, revealing that his wife has attempted suicide several times due to the stigma and threats. “We are being accused of promoting homosexuality, something viewed as a curse in Karamojong culture,” he said, adding that some now label them “witches.”
He also alleged that a nun warned his wife to “go slow” on the case, suggesting that if the abuse was repeated, the boy must have “enjoyed it.”
The boy’s mother, Alice Atimango, said she feels abandoned by the church, which she accused of treating the case as a “minor issue.” She said she was determined to continue seeking justice despite being vilified.
Members of the school’s leadership and education sector, however, insist the matter is being taken seriously. Adrhis Lamster Oyang, a school board member, said the institution “will not condone criminal acts” and is awaiting the outcome of investigations.
Lucy Akajo, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union regional coordinator for Karamoja, said she privately interviewed the victim, who told her he had reported the abuse to the head teacher but was ignored. She described this as a “serious case of negligence.”
Moroto’s acting Resident District Commissioner, Justine Samuel Tuko, confirmed that other pupils have come forward, saying the warden lured them with money, sweets, and bread. He added that the deputy head teacher was released after telling investigators he had informed his superior, who failed to act.
The district authorities are now providing psychosocial support to the family.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity under the Office of the President has also intervened. Commissioner Nickolas Abola said preliminary findings confirm that sexual abuse occurred and urged security agencies to safeguard the family.
He warned that if threats persist, the district security committee may summon the local bishop for questioning.
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