Police in Rukungiri District have arrested a 30-year-old businesswoman for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old secondary school student.
The suspect, identified as Akankwasa Caroline, a resident of Rwabuteneka Cell, Kagashe Ward in Rukungiri Municipality, was arrested following allegations that she had sexual intercourse with the minor.
The victim’s identity has been withheld in accordance with the law.
According to police, the incident allegedly occurred on August 26 at about 3pm in Rwabuteneka Cell.
Police allege that Akankwasa called the student to her home, where she allegedly defiled him before giving him money.
The suspect is currently detained at Rukungiri Central Police Station pending further investigations and possible prosecution.
The Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, condemned acts of defilement and urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for protecting children.
“Parents and guardians are urged to protect their children and not to allow them to move alone, especially at night,” SP Tumushime said in a statement issued on September 9.
He also urged members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to police instead of attempting to settle them at village level or accepting money to suppress them.
“Police urges the public to report such cases immediately and not to attempt to settle defilement cases at village level or for any money,” he said.
Defilement is a serious criminal offence under Ugandan law, and cases involving children should be reported to law enforcement authorities for investigation and appropriate legal action.
