Jinja Grade One Magistrate Yafesi Ochieng has remanded Judith Hellen Baliraine, an employee of Kakira Sugar Limited, to Kirinya Prison on charges of aggravated torture of 8-year-old Catherine Kisakye.The case stems from accusations that Baliraine subjected the young girl to severe abuse over a three-month period, from September to December 2024.
During the court proceedings, Magistrate Ochieng read the charges but informed Baliraine that she would not be allowed to take a plea, as aggravated torture is a capital offense under Ugandan law, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment upon conviction.
“You’re not allowed to take plea since this court has no jurisdiction on capital offences like aggravated torture, you’re remanded to Prison up to 6th January 2025 when you will reappear for committal to the High Court,” the trial magistrate stated.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with children’s rights activists and members of the public condemning the abuse.
Baliraine’s arrest follows public outcry after initial reports suggested that she had been released on police bond, despite the severity of the charges.This sparked further anger, leading to her re-arrest by police and subsequent detention at Nalufenya Police Station.Activists have hailed the remand of Baliraine as a crucial first step in the pursuit of justice for Kisakye and other victims of child abuse.
“This is the first step towards justice for Kisakye Catherine and other victims of child abuse,” said one activist outside the courtroom.The incident came to light when Baliraine sought medical attention for Kisakye at Bugembe Health Centre IV.Clinical officers noticed the suspect’s reluctance to allow a thorough examination, which led them to discover a shocking pattern of injuries, including both fresh and healing wounds, as well as signs of severe malnutrition.
Alarmed, the health facility reported the matter to Bugembe Police Station, which led to Baliraine’s arrest.Baliraine is set to appear in court again on January 6, 2025, for committal to the High Court, where the legal process will continue.
