Jinja: In a distressing turn of events, police in Buwenge, Jinja district, are currently holding two individuals—a village leader and a primary school teacher—on accusations of defiling minors. The alleged perpetrators, Godfrey Babalanda, the chairperson of Kabaganda village, and Eram Waiswa Nseko, a teacher at Blended Junior School, Kyerinda, are facing grave charges of sexual abuse.
Babalanda, a 45-year-old married man with two wives, stands accused of defiling his own 15-year-old daughter. Shockingly, it is reported that he broke his daughter’s virginity on the verandah of their house and allegedly intended to make her his third spouse. The reprehensible act has sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about the safety of young girls.
On a separate front, Eram Waiswa Nseko, a 20-year-old teacher at Blended Junior School, faces allegations of engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old primary six pupil. The incident reportedly occurred on November 25 during a bicycle riding competition organized by Busoga One Radio at Kagoma Primary School in Jinja district. Waiswa allegedly seduced the minor with a chapatti worth shs. 500.
After spending two nights together, Waiswa provided the young girl with two thousand shillings for transportation. However, the victim’s aunt, upon discovering the situation, reported the matter to the authorities, leading to the immediate apprehension of the suspect.
SP James Mubi, the Kiira region police spokesperson, confirmed that both suspects are currently in custody at Buwenge Central Police station, facing charges of aggravated defilement. Investigations are underway, including assessments of the mental health and HIV/AIDS statuses of the accused.
In response to the rising cases of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV), the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) is set to organize a one-day event on December 12, 2023, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) Women. The event, to be held at Jinja Railway grounds, aims to sensitize local communities on the role of the DPP’s office in successfully prosecuting SGBV cases against women and young girls. This initiative coincides with the commemoration of the 16 days of activism against GBV.
Law enforcement agencies are urging prompt reporting of SGBV cases and discouraging any form of unlawful financial settlement. SP James Mubi warned that individuals found culpable of obstructing justice by engaging in such settlements could face charges of conspiracy to defeat justice, conspiracy to commit a felony, and other related offenses. The call to action emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in the pursuit of justice for victims of sexual violence.
