Kampala, Uganda – A disturbing incident has unfolded in Entebbe Municipality, where a Primary Four pupil disappeared during lunchtime and was later found with a Spanish national, Jose Javia, in a nearby house. The police have launched an investigation into the alleged defilement of the minor.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, the girl’s teacher initiated a search after she left her food on the table. Classmates revealed that she had exited the school with a foreigner, locally known as a “muzungu.” The teacher and head teacher traced the girl and Javia to a nearby house, where they were both found.
Javia claimed he was tutoring the girl in mathematics, but both were taken into custody at Entebbe Police Station. The girl will undergo a medical examination to determine if she was defiled.
“The police will provide updates as more information becomes available,” Mr Onyango added.
This case bears unsettling similarities to recent child defilement incidents in Uganda, such as cases in Lira, Busia, and Isingiro districts.
Unfortunately, child defilement is a widespread issue in Uganda, with reports indicating an increase in cases over the years.
In 2017, only 14,567 defilement cases were reported to the Uganda Police Force, despite the actual number likely being much higher. The country has implemented laws and initiatives to combat child defilement, including the Children Act and the Penal Code Act.
