By Mike Rwothomio
ADJUMANI
A 21-year-old South Sudanese man has been arrested for alleged aggravated defilement of a 4-year-old girl in Adjumani District.
According to an incident report from Adjumani CPS, Northwest Nile Region under Ref: VIDE ADJ 635/2026, the incident occurred on 23rd July 2026 at approximately 5:20 PM and the case was reported at around 10:00 PM the same day.
The suspect, identified as Stephen, a male aged 21 years and resident of Mucope Village, Cesia Ward, Adjumani District, is accused of abducting two children while their parents were attending a burial.
North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Collins Asea confirmed the incident and the arrest.
“It is alleged that on 23rd July 2026, at approximately 17:00, the suspect, Stephen, abducted two children from their home while their parents were attending a burial. The children included a 3-year-old male juvenile and a 4-year-old female juvenile, the victim,” Asea said.
“The suspect reportedly took the children approximately 1 km to an unroofed school building, claiming they were going to fetch water from the borehole. While at the location, the suspect allegedly defiled the female victim in the presence of the male juvenile, who was left outside the building,” he added.
Members of the public apprehended the suspect during the act and detained him at Adjumani CPS.
Both the victim and the suspect were promptly examined, and investigations are ongoing.
A case of aggravated defilement has been registered under ADJ CRB 635/2026. The scene was visited, documented, and evidence collected. Statements from the complainant and witnesses have been recorded.
The suspect was examined with PF 24A and was found to have no physical injuries.
The victim was examined with PF 3A and was referred to a hospital for further medical evaluation.
SP Asea urged parents and guardians to ensure children are not left unattended to prevent such incidents in the future. Further details will be communicated as the investigation continues.
The Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report recorded 10,492 defilement cases in 2025, which is a 14.8% decrease from 2024. Key findings show 7,019 simple defilement cases and 3,473 aggravated cases.
