Police in Kiboga District have arrested eight individuals after foiling an attempted child marriage involving a 16-year-old girl in Kagoga Village, Kyomya Sub-county.
The intelligence-led operation was conducted on April 16, 2026, by officers from the Wamala Region. Authorities intervened while preparations were underway to marry off the minor, a Senior Three student at Bukomero Secondary School.
According to police, verification of the girl’s birth records confirmed she was born on December 6, 2010, making her 16 years old at the time of the incident.
“Our intelligence team acted swiftly to stop an illegal marriage involving a minor. This is a clear violation of the law, and those involved will face justice,” said Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi.
During the operation, police recovered several items believed to have been assembled as dowry, including sugar, soap, rice, meat, three gomesis, and two kanzus, among others.
“These items were documented as exhibits,” Kigozi added.
He identified the suspects as Yunis Kiyingi and Robina Luwedde, the parents of the victim; Allen Namubiru, the girl’s aunt; Mathias Kawuki, the alleged groom; David Sande Walulya and Esther Tusibira, the groom’s parents; and Jacob Kafeero. The minor has also been taken into protective custody.
All suspects are currently detained at Kiboga Central Police Station.
Police confirmed that charges of defilement and procuring defilement have been preferred against the suspects and are pending sanction by the Resident State Attorney in Kiboga.
SSP Kigozi emphasised the need for increased public awareness about the legal age of marriage in Uganda.
“Parents and guardians must understand that the legal age for marriage in Uganda is 18 years and above. Any attempt to marry off a child below this age is a criminal offence,” he said.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting children from abuse and urged members of the public to report similar incidents to law enforcement agencies.