Jinja City was gripped with shock upon hearing the distressing news of a 22-year-old primary teacher, Joshua Wandegeya, accused of defiling a 6-year-old pupil whose identity remains undisclosed. Wandegeya, who teaches mathematics and English at White Rose Junior School in Mafubira, Northern Division of Jinja City, allegedly engaged in a reprehensible act with the minor on the school premises on August 3.
The appalling incident came to light, prompting swift police action to apprehend the suspect, who is also identified as the brother-in-law of the school proprietor, Alex. Wandegeya is currently under custody at Mafubira Police Station, awaiting further legal proceedings. Police detectives are actively conducting thorough investigations to gather crucial evidence for the impending legal process.
According to SP James Mubi, the Kiira Region Police spokesperson, Wandegeya is now a suspect in an aggregated defilement case, as the minor is undergoing medical examination to ascertain any potential additional harm caused. Tragically, the incident adds to the concerning statistics of gender-based violence in the region.
Mubi revealed that the crime data for Kiira Region in 2022 showed 47 cases of aggregated defilement, 67 cases of simple defilement, and 17 rape cases reported. This alarming increase in gender-based violence is attributed, in part, to parents and witnesses’ reluctance to report such incidents to the authorities and their fear of testifying in court against the perpetrators.
In some cases, parents attempt to mediate with the wrongdoers outside of the legal system, which not only undermines justice but also perpetuates the cycle of abuse. In response, the police have intensified efforts to educate and sensitize the public about the importance of reporting such crimes without fear or intimidation.
