Catechist Accused of Aggravated Defilement of 9-Year-Old Girl in Kanyaryeru Village

Kiruhura District: A local catechist at All Saints Church Kanyaryeru in Kabale village has been arrested and remanded in police custody on charges of aggravated defilement after allegedly sexually assaulting his neighbour’s 9-year-old daughter.

The suspect, Yubu Nuwamanya, is accused of defiling the minor on the evening of March 7, 2026 (reported as 03/07/03/26 in police records). According to the victim’s mother, a local who had just moved to the village about a month ago with her two children, Nuwamanya visited their home under the pretext of offering prayers. The mother, preparing to fetch water from a distant source, left the catechist at home with her children.

Nuwamanya allegedly sent the 9-year-old girl’s brother to buy chapati from a nearby trading centre, creating an opportunity to isolate the girl.

The victim recounted that he then invited her into his house, laid her on a table, and defiled her. When she attempted to scream for help, he covered her mouth and warned her against making noise. As the suspect reportedly prepared to move her to a bed, the girl escaped and ran out crying. Coincidentally, her brother had returned, and upon seeing her distress, the mother raised an alarm that drew community members.

The child pointed to Nuwamanya, accusing him of rape. In response, the catechist allegedly pleaded with the crowd, claiming “Satan made him do it” and begging for prayers, an act the mother believes was intended to deter her from reporting the matter to police.

A note from police showing the case file and details of the alleged offender

The case was reported that following day at a nearby police post, and Nuwamanya was detained at Sange Police Station on charges of aggravated defilement under Section 129 of the Penal Code Act (as amended).

The offence carries the death penalty due to the victim’s age (below 14 years) and the suspect’s position of trust in the community as a church catechist.

The 9-year-old victim is reportedly traumatised and fearful, with some neighbouring children mocking her over the assault and spreading false claims that she is now infected with HIV/AIDS. Community members have expressed outrage, alleging that this is not the suspect’s first such incident.

Locals claim he has a history of similar behaviour, including alleged affairs with married women in the village while their husbands worked, and that some local leaders previously denied or covered up complaints against him.

Residents interviewed expressed frustration, stating they are “tired of the doings” by this catechist and calling for serious action to ensure justice. Police investigations are ongoing, with the matter expected to be forwarded to court.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about child protection in rural communities, where positions of religious authority can be abused. Authorities urge any victims or witnesses of similar offences to report promptly, emphasising that defilement is a capital offence with no defence of consent for minors under 18.For support, affected families are advised to contact local police, child protection units, or organisations like the Uganda Child Helpline.