By Weswa Ronnie
BUTEBO
Police in Bukedi North Region have arrested a herbalist in Butebo District over allegations of aggravated defilement of an 11-year-old girl.
The suspect has been identified as Gorete Siraji, a resident of Kabuyai Village, Petete Town Council, Butebo District.
According to Wilfred Kyempasa, the Bukedi North region police spokesperson, the victim has been identified as Gimbo Hajara, aged 11, a resident of Kadesok Village, Pallisa District.
He says the case was reported on 5th November 2026 at 3:44 p.m. by Ojaala Peter, the District Probation Officer for Butebo, aged 59, a resident of Matakore Village, Butebo Town Council.
Kyempasa says it is alleged that in June 2026, the victim was taken by her mother, Hadija, to the herbalist in Petete for treatment after she was reportedly experiencing attacks.
The girl remained at the herbalist’s home for two months, allegedly due to financial constraints, as the herbalist was asking for 50,000 shillings which the mother did not have. During that period, the herbalist allegedly defiled the victim under the pretext of administering herbs. He allegedly warned her not to tell anyone, claiming the herbs would not work if she did.
He says Police action taken includes registering the case file under CRB 144/2026, recording statements from the victim, issuing a Police Form 3A for medical examination, visiting and documenting the crime scene, and arresting the suspect.
