BUYENDE — The Busoga Kingdom has called off its annual Kagulu Hill Climbing Challenge, originally scheduled for August 17, in protest over the delayed justice for a girl who was gang-defiled by security officers during the 2024 event.
Princess Justice (name changed to protect her identity), then aged 16 and now a Senior One student, was assaulted by two security officers during the Annual Kagulu Climbing Challenge Tourism Expo on August 17, 2024.
Her case was filed at Irundu Subcounty Model Police Post but remains unresolved, despite months of public outcry and media attention.
The girl’s plight was raised at a recent meeting convened by the Busoga Kingdom, bringing together cultural, religious, and civic leaders alongside Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) Project partners.
The meeting aimed to advance policies addressing teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and child labor.
Edward Paul Munaaba, Busoga Kingdom Minister of General Duties, condemned the slow progress in the case, saying, “We cannot celebrate one year of delayed justice and be portrayed as a kingdom that cannot protect its children. Until the survivor of this grievous crime receives justice, we will not proceed with the annual event. Continuing as if nothing happened would mock child protection and lend credence to the perpetrators.”
Joyce Abaliwano, the kingdom's minister for gender, women and children affairs, who has been providing support to the survivor, emphasized the Kingdom’s zero tolerance for crimes like defilement and child marriage.
“These acts are criminal, culturally and morally abhorrent, and we demand urgent government action to ensure justice for this girl, who has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for children’s rights in Busoga,” she said.
Abaliwano also highlighted the survivor’s ongoing needs, including school fees for two terms amounting to Shs1.3 million.
The headteacher expressed concern about the risk of the girl being sent away from school, which would further traumatize her during recovery.
The Busoga North Police Region recorded 698 defilement cases and 133 aggravated defilement cases in 2023 and 2024. Other crimes included 49 rape cases, 171 child neglect cases, and 43 instances of child torture.
Gloria Auma, program coordinator for Protection at the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), praised the Kingdom’s decision to cancel the event.
“This stand sends a strong message that justice and child protection come before celebrations. We will continue to support the pursuit of justice and hold duty bearers accountable,” she said.
Buyende District Chairperson Michael Kanaku called on higher authorities to intervene, criticizing local security agencies for prioritizing damage control over justice.
“It is unacceptable that a crime committed at an event attended by the Kyabazinga, the Kingdom’s cultural leader and international ambassador for child protection, remains unresolved,” Kanaku stated.
Busoga North Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha assured the public that the case is being handled sensitively and involves scientific investigations.
“Samples have been collected from the officers involved, and we await results to inform further action,” he confirmed.
In a rare media interview, Princess Justice expressed faith in divine justice, saying, “Those who deny me justice will face consequences. I am grateful to the health workers who provided me with post-exposure prophylaxis, saving me from HIV and unwanted pregnancy.”
She warned that many other girls lack access to such care and continue to suffer in silence.
“I am fortunate to have media attention, counselling, and support from various organizations. But many girls out there need rescue and help,” she said.