Jinja, Uganda: The Territorial Police in Jinja have arrested a 45-year-old teacher for allegedly defiling an 8-year-old pupil. The suspect was identified as Abubakari Ngobi, a teacher of theology at Multiple Junior School and a resident of Walukuba West, Southern Division in Jinja city.
The Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, SP James Mubi, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, saying police preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect lured the victim with pancakes and drinks at the school premises on the day of committing the offence.
“The suspect purportedly lured the victim with pancakes and minute maid at the school premises on the fateful day (April 17),” Mubi said, adding that reports from locals accuses the suspect of committing a similar crime in Kamuli district and authorities were yet to prove the authenticity of the allegation by press time.
Upon examining the victim, police established that she was of sound mind, and the evidence has since connected the culprit to the scene of crime. Mubi said police are committed to seriously handling cases related to sexual assault against children and women.
“Kiira regional police command considers cases of sexual assault against children and women very seriously. The victim has been medically examined and is of a sound mind. Conclusive evidence connects the culprit to the scene of crime,” SP Mubi said in a Tuesday statement.
Police have since warned all people intending to take advantage of the girls and women by abusing them sexually or getting involved in child or trafficking in persons to refrain from the vices because authorities are ready to decisively deal with them using the prevailing laws of Uganda.
Meanwhile, the incident has sent shockwaves in Jinja city and Busoga Sub-region with locals questioning the integrity of the teacher who teaches religious beliefs and traditions to stoop so low to allegedly defile his own pupil, whom he has authority over and a mandatory obligation to fully protect from danger or threats.
