Witchdoctor arrested for defiling four juvenile daughters in ritual practice

Mpigi, (UG):- The Territorial Police in Katonga Region, Mpigi are holding in custody one Swaibu Murundi, a 43-year-old traditional healer on allegations of defiling five female victims, four of whom are his biological daughters on multiple occasions dating back to 2020.

Murundi, a resident of Butamba village, Kayabwe Town Council, in Mpigi district faces charges of aggravated defilement and incest against his biological daughters aged 16,15,14, and 12. He also faces an additional charge of aggravated defilement for having sexual relations with the fifth victim aged 15, a daughter to his close friend, whom he victimized, while paying her school fees.

Police Spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga told journalists on Monday that the victims, all school-going children had all along kept quiet after the suspect (their father/guardian), threatened to bewitch and kill them using witchcraft if they dared tell anyone about the act.

It is further reported that the suspect, who separated with his wife (the mother of the daughters) had made it a ritual to sleep with his daughters once they clocked 12 years in a way of satisfying the ‘gods’.

“The suspect lived in a well-fenced premise, sitted on 2 acres, that was restricted to the public. The home has 3 gates and his clients, used one gate that led to the traditional shrines. His cottage where he slept, was isolated. It was a traditional practice for him to have carnal knowledge, with is daughters once they clocked 12 years,” Mr Enanga said during the weekly security briefing at Naguru Police headquarters in Kampala.

“The sexual act would thereafter, become routine. Every evening, the victims would gather at a fireplace for rituals, eat food and then proceed to their father or guardian’s cottage, for the sexual act. The suspect separated with the biological mothers of his 4 daughters,” he added.

Police strongly condemned the act of defiling young girls by people who are supposed role models to them in society.

“It is an abomination and act of betrayal by parents and guardians, who are role models and are supposed to protect their children and promote their well-being,” Enanga stated.

“We would like to thank the D/RDC, DPC, DISO, CID, CFPU and the Probation Office for their hard work during the operation against Child Sexual Violence and exploitation. The arrest should serve as a warning to those who harm children and use them as sex objects,” he concluded.