Dorcus Wangari, the LCV Female Councilor for Aduku Town Council, emphasized the need for vigilance among parents. "Although we have been putting pressure on the police to ensure the prosecution of all culprits, parents must be more vigilant and stop entrusting their children with anyone, even close relatives," Wangari said.
Geoffrey Alex Ogwal Adyebo, Kwania District LCV Chairman addressing a presser in his office situated at Wipolo in Ikwera ward, Aduku town council (Photo by Solomon Okabo)
Leaders in Kwania District have raised alarms over the increasing cases of defilement involving teachers and relatives. According to the Kwania District Probation Office, at least seven girls, aged between 9 and 14 years, are defiled each week in the district by teachers, relatives, and friends.
Dorcus Wangari, the LCV Female Councilor for Aduku Town Council, emphasized the need for vigilance among parents. "Although we have been putting pressure on the police to ensure the prosecution of all culprits, parents must be more vigilant and stop entrusting their children with anyone, even close relatives," Wangari said. She added that parents should sensitize their children about the rampant sexual abuse and advise them not to trust anyone.
Kwania Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Richard Noon Arikwanga, revealed that some teachers have been complicit in mediating defilement cases, a practice he stressed must stop. "Being a teacher is a position of trust. Those found engaging in such acts will face the full force of the law," he warned. He also cautioned teachers against engaging in partisan politics, urging them to focus on their roles in teaching and improving educational outcomes in the district.
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Geoffrey Alex Ogwal Adyebo, the Kwania District LCV Chairman, condemned teachers who mediate defilement cases for selfish gains. "Teachers who mediate these cases are contributing to increased school dropouts in the district, and they must be arrested," Ogwal said. He assured that his office is working closely with the RDC to combat the growing menace.
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Beatrice Adupa, Kwania District Community Development Officer, blamed the rise in defilement cases on Local Council One (LCI) Chairpersons, accusing them of facilitating the settlement of defilement cases through bribes and cash gifts from defilers.
Adupa called for greater collaboration to end the practice. "Many LCs connive with parents of victims to settle cases out of court, which only perpetuates the vice," she explained.
However, Patrick Okino, the LCI Chairman of Ayat Village in Atongtidi Sub County, refuted the allegations. He argued that the rise in defilement cases is primarily due to parental negligence and poverty.
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According to the 2023 Annual Crime Police Report, the North Kyoga Region recorded the highest number of defilement cases, with 825 reported incidents, followed by East Kyoga (725 cases), Aswa (467 cases), and KMP North (419 cases).
Under Chapter 128 of the Uganda Penal Code Act, defilement is defined as sexual intercourse with a girl under 18 years of age. Aggravated defilement, which involves defiling a child under 14 years, is punishable by life imprisonment. Defilement of a child aged between 15 and 18 years carries a penalty of seven years imprisonment.
Solomon Okabo
Freelancer