By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The International Crimes Division of the High Court has confirmed charges of Aggravated Trafficking against Superintendent of Police, Arinaitwe Gilbert.
This has been revealed by the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in a statement issued today, Thursday, December 19, 2024.
According to the statement, the charges were confirmed on Wednesday, 18th December, 2024 by Justice Bashaija K. Andrew of the International Crimes Division of the High Court.
Justice Bashaija ruled during a pre-trial hearing that sufficient evidence exists to support the charges against SP Arinaitwe.
The court noted that the prosecution presented evidence that the accused arranged the victim’s transportation from Mbarara, received her into his home, and used deception to recruit her as a housemaid.
The court further noted that the accused exploited his position as a police officer to perpetrate these acts, effectively harbouring and trafficking the victim for his sexual gratification. His rank as Superintendent of Police, a position attained on July 6, 2022, placed him in a significant position of public trust, which the court found he egregiously abused.
In his ruling, the learned Judge also highlighted the systemic and calculated nature of the crimes, pointing to SP Arinaitwe’s repeated sexual assaults and his psychological manipulation of the victim.
The evidence disclosed during the pre-trial included harrowing accounts of how the victim lived in fear under the shadow of the accused’s authority and access to a firearm, which amplified her vulnerability.
Justice Bashaija emphasized that the pre-trial process adhered to international standards, drawing parallels to practices at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The decision to confirm the charges against SP Arinaitwe was based on evidence provided by the prosecution, which bore the burden of proof.
The ruling has confirmed the charges of Aggravated Trafficking in Persons against SP Arinaitwe, paving the way for a full trial. The matter will now proceed before a trial court for a formal hearing.
As the judicial process unfolds, all eyes remain on the court to deliver justice not only for the victim but also to reaffirm the principles of equality and protection under the law.
Prosecution was handled by Joseph Kyomuhendo, Chief State Attorney and Head of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The charges stem from allegations involving his former housemaid, in a gripping case that reveals harrowing details of exploitation, abuse of power, and sexual violence .
The prosecution alleges that the victim was lured from Mbarara to the accused’s home in Nalumunye, Bandwe Zone, under the guise of employment as a housemaid. Promised a meagre monthly wage of UGX 60,000, her life soon took a horrifying turn. It is alleged that SP Arinaitwe used his position of authority, his access to a firearm, and his deceptive promises to coerce her into an unimaginable ordeal.
The victim alleged that while working at the accused’s residence, he repeatedly sexually assaulted her, withheld her salary, and even denied her food when she protested against the assaults.
The victim’s plight was corroborated by a DNA analysis, which identified SP Arinaitwe as the donor of biological material recovered from evidence linked to the sexual assaults.
These results align with the victim’s testimony, presenting what the court deemed as strong corroborative evidence.
