Mbala youth arrested over alleged sexual abuse of 12-year-old niece

An 18-year-old youth of Mbala District, identified as Simuchenja Masenga, has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing his 12-year-old niece.

According to a report filed by the victim’s father, Moses Silwamba, aged 47, of Nsizye Village under Chief Tafuna in Mbala, his biological daughter was attacked on her way home from school by her uncle, Masenga, who is also from the same village.

Brief facts of the incident indicate that on the material day, the victim left school at around 11:50 hours and used a bushy path on her way home.

She encountered her uncle, who allegedly pushed her into the nearby bush and sexually abused her.

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“She shouted for help, and some concerned members of the public responded and found the suspect putting on his trousers, whom they identified as her uncle, but he took to his heels,” Northern Province Police Commanding Officer Simunji Mulonda said in a statement on Monday.

Mulonda added that the victim’s parents were informed, after which a manhunt was launched. They apprehend the suspect, who is now in police custody.

The victim sustained painful private parts and general body pains, and her school uniform was found soiled with mud.

Police said the suspect is likely to face either incest or defilement charges, depending on the circumstances recorded in the case.

Mulonda issued a strong warning to the public, stressing that police in the province would not allow the withdrawal of sexual offence cases at any police station or police post.

He said it was the duty of law enforcement to protect girls and women from sexual predators.

“Would-be sexual predators are seriously warned to refrain from committing sexual offences such as defilement and rape, as the same attract stiff custodial sentences ranging from 20 to 45 years, if not more,” Mulonda stated.

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