Jinja: A profound sense of shock and dismay has gripped the residents of Jinja district following deeply disturbing reports of a heinous crime perpetrated against a defenseless 4-year-old girl. The accused, identified as Ben Mukisa, a 30-year-old resident of Buwebui ward in Buyengo sub-county, Jinja district, primarily earns his livelihood as a sugarcane cutter. The abhorrent act occurred on September 25 within the confines of the renowned Iziru cane plantations.
According to reports, the police took swift action on Thursday, intercepting and apprehending Mukisa at the Magaga trading center in Busede Sub County as he attempted to flee to Buvuma islands to evade capture after his crime came to light. The young victim had been lured by Mukisa’s false promises, including the offer of enrollment in a prestigious boarding school in Kampala and a weekly allowance of shs. 5000.
SP James Mubi, the Kiira region police publicist, has confirmed the suspect’s detention at Kakira Central Police station, where he is now facing charges of aggravated defilement. As detectives commence their investigations, the suspect will soon be brought before the courts of law to answer for his actions and face the full legal consequences.
Mubi elaborated on the ongoing investigation, stating, “The crime scene has been thoroughly examined, with a sketch plan drawn and meticulous documentation by our scene of crime officers. Statements from eyewitnesses have been obtained.” He further mentioned that the police are in the process of conducting electronic evidence analysis, including phone printouts, in collaboration with exhibits collected from the crime scene. These materials will be submitted to the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) in Kampala for forensic examination.
It is worth noting that the Kiira regional police recently launched a manpower headcount exercise in response to the escalating incidents of illegal sexual harassment, including rape and defilement. This initiative was instituted following the arrest of six suspects on charges of aggravated defilement, all hailing from the Buwenge rural sub-county in Jinja district. Among the suspects is an unlicensed teacher from Green Trust Junior School who allegedly defiled a primary seven candidate.
As authorities intensify their efforts to combat these grave offenses, the root causes, particularly in both rural and urban communities, remain a subject of concern and investigation. Some have attributed the rise in such crimes to rampant drug abuse among youths, which can distort an individual’s rationality and moral compass.
