Kampala, Uganda: Maverick legal practitioner Joshua Okello has commended Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara for his swift and firm response following the reported rape of a one-year-old infant.
Okello described the incident as more than just a criminal case, calling it “a profound stain on our collective conscience” and one that strikes at the very heart of shared humanity.
He joined many Ugandans in praising Minister Balaam’s immediate condemnation of the act, emphasizing that the response reflects decisive leadership rather than political posturing. “This is not politics. This is the kind of leadership victims of sexual violence deserve,” Okello noted.
He added that the Minister’s actions signal a shift in approach, where the docket is no longer just administrative, but a protective shield for vulnerable children.
Addressing the perpetrator, Okello questioned what could be gained from committing such a heinous act against a helpless infant.
He described the crime as a total abandonment of morality, insisting that there is no justification and that there must be no leniency. “As a lawyer, I have seen the dark side of humanity, but some crimes are so heinous they shake the foundation of who we are as a society,” he said.
Okello stressed that while the law emphasizes the “best interests of the child,” such principles remain hollow without strong political will and enforcement.
He called for thorough investigations and a prosecution process that leaves no room for error. “We cannot afford a situation where such a monster escapes through legal loopholes,” he warned.
The lawyer urged the justice system to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and visibly, stressing that public confidence depends on how such cases are handled. “Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done, loudly and without delay,” Okello stated.
He added that the state must remain a refuge for victims and their families, ensuring protection, support, and accountability.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
