Police in Yumbe District are holding a 31-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting his one-year-and-nine-month-old niece in a disturbing incident that has sparked renewed concern over child safety in the area.
The suspect, identified as Hamid from Leinga Central Cell in Barakala Town, was arrested on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
His arrest followed a report from the child’s guardian, Kalisumu Cheka, who returned home at about 5 p.m. to find the toddler bleeding from her private parts.
She had left the child in Hamid’s care while she stepped out to collect water.
Shocked by what she found, Cheka immediately raised an alarm, drawing neighbours to the scene. The area chairperson was notified and swiftly contacted police.
When officers arrived, Hamid reportedly attempted to flee, but he was chased down and apprehended shortly afterward.
North West Nile region police spokesperson Collins Asea confirmed that a case of aggravated defilement has been opened at Barakala Police Station under SD Reference 08/16/11/2025.
A medical examination later confirmed that the child had sustained multiple injuries.
The case comes at a time when the region, and the country at large, is grappling with an increasing number of defilement incidents.
The 2024 Annual Crime Report shows a 5.7% rise in aggravated defilement cases, increasing from 3,846 in 2023 to 4,072 in 2024.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will be taken to court once the case file is complete.
