By Jamillah Kemigisa
Police in Kanungu District have arrested a secondary school teacher over allegations of defiling a 13-year-old girl in an incident that reportedly occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
The suspect, identified as Brian Akampurira, 30, a resident of Ndeba Cell in Kihihi Town Council, is accused of assaulting the teenager while she was on her way to attend a church service at Healing Allena Church in Karaunda Village.
According to a police report, the victim encountered the suspect near Bright Future Primary School at around 11:00 a.m. Akampurira allegedly lured her into a nearby eucalyptus tree plantation, where the assault took place.
Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, confirmed the incident, explaining that the girl attempted to raise an alarm but was in an isolated area and feared for her safety after being threatened. She later met a Good Samaritan who helped her reach Kihihi Police Station, where she reported the case.
In a surprising twist, the suspect arrived at the police station shortly after the victim had begun recording her statement. Upon sighting him, the girl immediately identified Akampurira, leading to his prompt arrest.
He has since been charged with aggravated defilement, a capital offence under Ugandan law, and will be arraigned in court upon completion of police investigations.
ASP Maate urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any cases of child abuse to the nearest authorities, emphasizing that the protection of children is a shared community responsibility.
“The safety of our children is everyone’s duty. We call upon parents, teachers, and community members to speak out and report such acts without fear,” Maate stated.
The identity of the minor has been withheld in accordance with child protection guidelines.
Kanungu District, located in southwestern Uganda, has in recent years reported a concerning rise in cases of child abuse, including sexual offences against minors. Many of these incidents often go unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and limited access to legal assistance.
Under Ugandan law, aggravated defilement—which involves a child below the age of 14—is punishable by life imprisonment upon conviction. The offence is provided for under the Penal Code Act, with enforcement supported by the Children Act and other child protection frameworks.
Authorities continue to call on community leaders, parents, and civil society groups to join efforts in preventing such abuses and ensuring survivors receive justice and psychosocial support.
