Nearly a year after a 16-year-old girl was gang-raped by security officers during the Busoga Kingdom Annual Kagulu Hill Climbing Challenge Tourism Expo, justice remains elusive.
Speaking at her secondary school, the survivor described her trauma and disappointment:
“It is very painful, traumatizing, and hard to believe that almost a year now, justice has eluded me and seems to be playing hide and seek.
"I lost my virginity and am losing hope for justice too. This country feels so slippery. Fortunately, I am still in school and have one last chance to pursue my dream—education. Thanks to the media, Plan International, FAWE, Mama Kadaga, Aunt Joyce, and the Busoga Kingdom for helping me heal,” she said.
The incident occurred on August 17, 2024, when the P7 pupil was allegedly gang-raped by unidentified police officers at Irundu Sub County during the Kagulu Hill event.
The case was reported under reference SD Ref 21/17/8/24 at the local police station.
During the Busoga Kingdom’s 10th Coronation Anniversary on September 13, 2024, Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister, demanded a detailed report on the incident and tasked the Minister of Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Dr Joyce Abaliwano, with following up on the case.
Kadaga emphasized the importance of justice for the survivor, saying “I have asked Dr Joyce Abaliwano to visit the family and the survivor. We want a detailed report on this unfortunate event.”
Child rights organizations, including FAWE Uganda, led by Program Officer Henry Onyango, alongside media representatives and the Buyende District Probation Officer Rachael Mirembe, engaged with local authorities including the Buyende RDC, DPC, and Police CID officers to press for progress.
Onyango expressed frustration at the delays, warning that the involvement of security personnel has led the public to suspect deliberate obstruction.
“We are dismayed and frustrated that justice has not been served. This delay risks discouraging victims and paints a negative picture of the judicial system. We call on authorities to provide a progress report and ensure the survivor receives justice,” Onyango said.
Buyende RDC Betty Akello Otekat shared concerns over the stalled investigation, stressing the psychological toll on the girl and the implications for the community’s trust in justice.
She highlighted the upcoming visit of the Kyabazinga of Busoga and the President to the area as an opportunity to deliver answers.
“This is a litmus test for us, the children, and the Kyabazinga of Busoga,” RDC Akello said.
Police officials in the Busoga region acknowledged the case’s slow progress, explaining that they are awaiting forensic samples from the officers on duty at the time of the incident.
Deputy Regional CID Officer Fred Muhanguzi assured that these samples would be collected by week’s end and that the investigation would be expedited.
“I have just been posted here, but I assure you we are taking this matter seriously to ensure the girl receives justice,” Muhanguzi said.
Earlier, Buyende DPC Edison Birema expressed skepticism over some details of the survivor’s narrative, stating that while medical reports confirmed the assault, the circumstances raised questions.
“Yes, the girl was medically confirmed to have been defiled, but it is hard to believe police officers could have raped one another on duty while guarding the event. There are gaps in the story,” Birema said.
He suggested the possibility that the victim may be covering for a boyfriend but pledged that investigations would continue.
“We shall arrive at the truth. However, people tend to be reckless at such events."