Police in Katwe Division, Kasese District, have arrested a 52-year-old man accused of defiling a 10-year-old girl over several nights in Katwe Kabatooro Town Council.
The suspect has been identified as Bamuturaki Ismael, a resident of Top Hill Ward. According to Rwenzori East Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Maate Elly, the victim was living with her aunt, who is married to the suspect, in a two-roomed house.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the abuse began on the night of 15th July 2026. Police say the suspect would allegedly pick the girl from the sitting room where she slept and take her to his bedroom. This reportedly continued until 20th July.
The matter came to light when the victim confided in a fellow pupil at Katwe Primary School on 20th July 2026. The friend reported the case to the head teacher, Sunday Julius, who immediately notified Katwe Police Division.
Police registered a case of aggravated defilement, recorded the victim’s statement, and conducted a medical examination. The suspect was subsequently arrested and is currently in detention.
“It is very unfortunate that a person who should have been responsible for protecting the child ended up violating her,” ASP Maate said. “Upon completion of inquiries, the suspect will be produced before court to answer charges.”
He added that further investigations are ongoing.
Maate asked the public to report cases of child abuse early to enable timely intervention and protect children from such violations.
In Uganda, defilement is defined as any unlawful sexual act with a person under the age of 18. It is a very serious crime that carries severe legal penalties, and thousands of cases are handled by the police and courts each year.
In 2025, Uganda Police registered 10,492 defilement cases (down 14.8% from 2024).
10,493 victims: 10,328 female juveniles, 128 male juveniles, 37 female adults.
Of these, 191 victims were defiled by HIV+ suspects, 94 by teachers, and 65 by guardians.
