Police in Rukungiri District have arrested a 30-year-old businesswoman for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old secondary school student.
The suspect, named as Akankwasa Caroline, of Rwabuteneka Cell, Kagashe Ward in Rukungiri Municipality, was taken into custody after reports that she sexually abused the minor.
The student’s name has been withheld in line with the law.
Police say the alleged offence happened on August 26 at around 3:00pm in Rwabuteneka Cell. Authorities allege that Akankwasa invited the student to her home, where she is accused of defiling the child and then giving him money.
The suspect is currently being held at Rukungiri Central Police Station as investigations continue and she may face prosecution.
In a statement released on September 9, the Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, condemned defilement and called on parents and guardians to take greater responsibility in safeguarding children.
He urged caregivers to ensure children do not move around alone—particularly during the night—and stressed that suspected cases of child abuse should be reported to police without delay.
SP Tumushime also warned the public against trying to resolve such cases at community level or accepting money to silence allegations.
Defilement is treated as a serious offence under Ugandan law, and police say matters involving children must be referred to law enforcement authorities for investigation and appropriate legal action.
