Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, says that parents concentrate more in drinking alcohol and neglect their roles in bringing up their children leaving them exposed to “sexual predators.”
North
Kyoga territorial Police is appealing for community support in investigating
and prosecuting defilement cases. Statistics from police indicates that out of 190 defilement cases registered between May and July 2024, only 5 culprits have been convicted. 124 cases are still under investigations, 56 are in court while 10 have been “put away” due to lack of substantial evidence.
The low
conviction rate has been attributed to delayed reporting of incidents, lack of
cooperation from complainants and witnesses, and limited resources. Jimmy
Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, says that parents
concentrate more in drinking alcohol and neglect their roles in bringing up their children leaving them exposed to “sexual predators.”
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a different story.”//
According
to Okema, some complainants initiate negotiations with the perpetrators, making
it difficult for the police to investigate and prosecute the casese.
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interest moved away.”//
He also
highlighted the need for a police surgeon in the region to facilitate medical examinations
and [production of reports, which he says are essential in prosecuting defilement cases.
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a little difficult.”//
Tom
Onyuti, the chief of Arak Odworo clan agrees with Okema, says that most parents
offer their children as domestic workers such as baby-sitters, and or house
helps in other people’s home something, which he says exposes the children to sex
offenders.
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is defiled.”//
Molly
Nagudi, a resident of Teso Bar in Lira City West division believes that the
fear of extortion is the reason why most people do not follow up their
cases in court. According to her, most perpetrators use money to hoodwink investigators
to their side instead of helping the victims.
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corrupt world now.”//
But Paska
Ayugi, a resident of Iwal in Lira City East Division, says that most people report
the cases for formality but do not follow up for fear of stigmatization and shame
associated with the crime.
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Peter Oceng, a social worker in Lira City believes that church programs like
Sundays schools and youth conferences are important ways in bringing up morally
upright children who will grow up to respects themselves.
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more important.”//
He also emphasized
the need to sensitize the community on dangers of defilement, which according to
the Penal Code Act is unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the
age of eighteen years. The offense
is punishable by death.
