BY WILFRED ARINDA NSHEKA
Kabale, Uganda – In a daring operation, police in Kabale district have rescued a 13-year-old girl from suspected traffickers and defilers, and arrested two suspects in connection with the case.
According to police, the victim, a pupil at Kicumbi Primary School, was trafficked from her home in Nyamarindira village to Rwakashende village, where she was forced into domestic servitude and repeatedly defiled by suspect Tumanye Steven, 33, a businessman.
“The suspect promised the victim better pay and eventually marriage, but instead exploited her for labor and sex,” said ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson.
“This is a grave violation of the child’s rights, and we will ensure that justice is served.”
The suspect, along with his accomplice Ahimbisibwe Judith, 41, a peasant, was arrested on August 21, 2024, after concerned residents alerted the authorities.
“The residents played a crucial role in bringing the suspects to justice,” said ASP Maate. “We commend them for their vigilance and urge others to report similar cases.”
The police have opened a case file of aggravated trafficking and defilement, vide CRB 632/2024, and the suspects are in custody as inquiries continue.
“The scene of crime was visited by our detectives, and relevant statements of witnesses obtained,” said ASP Maate.
“We have also retrieved relevant exhibits from the scene, and the suspects will be charged accordingly.”
ASP Maate warned that the police will not tolerate such violations of children’s rights and will work tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators face the full force of the law.