Pallisa, Uganda: The Territorial Police in Pallisa District are investigating yet another distressing case of aggravated defilement involving a 12-year-old girl, marking the fourth such incident in the area within just three months.
The assault, which took place in Adal village, has heightened concerns over child safety and prompted local authorities to intensify efforts to educate the community.
The victim, identified only as Prescila, a 12-year-old pupil from Adal village, Adal parish, Kaukura sub-county, was reportedly attacked on the evening of October 9, 2025.
According to statements made at police, Prescila was sent by her sister-in-law, Hellen, to Adal trading center to buy sumbusa (a local snack). Accompanied by two other girls, Akello and Tino, Prescila was walking ahead on their return when she was allegedly grabbed by Ojilong George William.
The assailant reportedly pushed Prescila to the ground, removed her undergarments, and forcibly penetrated her. Prescila raised an alarm, alerting her companions, which caused the suspect to flee.
The traumatized girl confided in her mother, Apolot Harriet, a 49-year-old peasant farmer from the same village, who reported the incident to the Apopongo police post on October 13.
“Police acted swiftly, arresting Ojilong George William and registering a case of aggravated defilement under SD reference 06/11/10/2025, CRR 046/2025, and PAL CRB 449/2025,” confirmed ASP Kyempasa Wilfred, Public Relations Officer for Bukedi North.
He added that statements were collected from Harriet, witnesses Akello and Tino, and Prescila. “Medical examinations were conducted on both the victim and suspect using Police Forms 3A and 24A. A team from Pallisa, including the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO), visited the crime scene to gather evidence. Investigations are ongoing, with police emphasising a thorough process.”
This incident follows a troubling trend in Pallisa. On September 27, a 13-year-old girl from Kameke Primary School was gang-raped. On September 5, a 7-year-old girl in Rweta A cell was sexually assaulted. On August 28, another 12-year-old girl was victimised. These four cases within three months have alarmed residents and officials.
Pallisa Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Magidu Dhikusooka, speaking to reporters, expressed concern over the recurring incidents. “We are trying to sensitize people on how to abandon such behavior,” he said, stressing the need for parental vigilance. “We are doing a lot to remind parents to take care of their girl children.”
Dhikusooka highlighted a key issue, saying some parents negotiate with perpetrators after reporting cases to police, undermining justice. “This ruins the whole process,” he noted. However, he confirmed that some cases have reached court and new measures are being developed to address these crimes.
Efforts to contact Pallisa District Probation Officer John Micheal Okwalinga for comment on victim support services were unsuccessful. Okwalinga declined to share information over the phone, stating that inquiries should be made in person at his office.
Child rights advocates point to systemic issues in rural areas like Pallisa, where poverty and lax supervision increase risks for young girls.
As investigations continue, parents have been urged to stay vigilant and report incidents promptly. Aggravated defilement carries severe penalties under Ugandan law, including life imprisonment upon conviction.
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