Bukomansimbi police have arrested Francis Ssempijja, a 35-year-old Luganda infant and primary school director, for allegedly sexually abusing his two nieces, aged 12 and 13, who had been placed under his care to receive an education.
The girls had been living with Ssempijja at their grandmother’s home in Lugando village, Bukango sub-county, following their mother’s death.
It is alleged that Ssempijja took advantage of his brother’s daughters, telling them that once they began to develop breasts, it was his responsibility as the uncle to teach them about sexual intercourse. The children revealed that their uncle reportedly used condoms to prevent pregnancies during the abuse, which continued over an extended period.
"He said that every uncle"Taata mutto" has to do it and it's not illegal and he said it just takes one week but the week ended and he continued that is why we decided to tell our father." Said children.
The girls confided in their stepmother, Josephine Namwanje, after enduring the abuse. Namwanje said the children explained how their uncle would come to them at night and force himself on them. Shocked by their revelation, Namwanje informed their father, who promptly removed the girls from their grandmother’s home.
Police and child protection officers, led by Baker Mulumba, arrested Ssempijja on October 8 after the abuse was reported. During the arrest, police found condoms in his possession, which are believed to have been given to the girls to prevent pregnancy.
Despite the evidence, the suspect’s mother, Mauricia Nakitende, refuted the accusations, claiming the charges were fabricated as part of a family dispute over land.
Umar Lule, the chairman of Lugando village, acknowledged that he had heard rumors about the situation but did not act. He condemned the alleged acts, stating that the case could severely damage Ssempijja’s reputation as a school director.
Abubaker Mulumba, Bukomansimbi’s district probation officer, expressed concern over the growing number of child sexual abuse cases in the area, criticizing families who try to conceal such crimes.
“So far this month, we have registered 10 cases of defilement, and many of these children have been abused by relatives who are supposed to protect them,” Mulumba noted.
Masaka regional police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed Ssempijja’s arrest, saying he faces charges of aggravated defilement. Kasirye also criticized the girls’ biological father for allegedly ignoring their complaints about Ssempijja's actions for months.
"The children told him about the acts of his brother but he failed to take actions since January. So, he also has questions to answer." Kasirye said.
Ssempijja is currently being held at Bukomansimbi police station as investigations continue.