Man, 19, arrested for sodomizing 2-year-old boy

KAPCHORWA, UGANDA: Police in Kapchorwa District in Eastern Uganda are holding a 19-year-old man for allegedly sodomizing a two-year-old boy from the neighbourhood.

The suspect (who police did not identify by name) is a resident of London Bridge, Kawowo Ward, Kapchorwa Central Division in Kapchorwa Municipality.

According to Sipi Regional Police spokesperson, ASP Fredmark Chesang, it is alleged that the mother of the victim had gone to the garden and left the suspect and victim at home when he used the chance to have carnal knowledge with the minor.

“The suspect used this opportunity in the absence of the victim’s mother and sodomised the boy. When the mother came back, she noticed the victim was feeling uncomfortable before she rushed him to the hospital where he was examined and discovered that he was sodomised,” ASP Chesang said.

The police publicist added that police have preferred charges of aggravated defilement against the suspect who remains in custody at Kapchorwa Police Station.

ASP Chesang urged the community to cooperate with police in exposing such criminals and to always seek police guidance for prosecution in handling such matters as per the law.

“The police wish to appreciate the co-operation of the community for exposing such criminals to police for prosecution. As police we urge them to continue with the same spirit,” he said.

According to a Police Annual Crime Report 2022, a total of 12,780 victims were defiled in Uganda, of whom 12,470 were female. The same report indicates that by the end of 2022, a total of 3,620 cases of aggravated defilement were reported to police compared to 3,783 cases reported in 2021, giving a 4.3% decrease.

According to the newly signed Anti-Gay Bill 2023, offenders of attempted aggravated homosexuality will face 14 years once convicted, the offence of homosexuality will attract 20 years in prison, attempted homosexuality 10 years, recruiting, displaying and distribution of material for same-sex sexual acts 20 years, allowing the use of premises for homosexuality 10 years and other penalties.