JINJA, Uganda — Police in Jinja City are holding a 45-year-old teacher accused of defiling an eight-year-old pupil.
Abubakari Ngobi, a theology teacher at Multiple Junior School, was arrested after an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse that reportedly occurred on school premises. Ngobi is a resident of the Walukuba West area of Jinja City’s Southern Division.
Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson SP James Mubi confirmed the arrest, stating that initial inquiries indicate the suspect lured the child with snacks and drinks on April 17.
“The suspect purportedly lured the victim with pancakes and Minute Maid at the school premises on the fateful day (April 17),” Mubi said.
Mubi added that authorities are investigating reports from local residents alleging Ngobi may have committed a similar offense in the neighboring Kamuli District. The authenticity of those claims had not been confirmed as of Thursday.
Following a medical examination, police confirmed the victim is of sound mind. Mubi stated that evidence links Ngobi to the scene of the alleged crime.
“Kiira regional police command considers cases of sexual assault against children and women very seriously,” Mubi said in a statement. “The victim has been medically examined and is of a sound mind. Conclusive evidence connects the culprit to the scene of crime.”
Police issued a warning against the exploitation and abuse of children and women, and against child trafficking, vowing to enforce Ugandan law decisively in such cases.
The arrest has prompted shock and outrage in Jinja City and the wider Busoga Sub-region. Residents have expressed dismay that a religious teacher could be accused of such a crime against a young pupil in his care.