Kampala, Uganda — Police in Kampala have arrested Bongo Alex after he allegedly defiled a four-year-old South Sudanese girl. The suspect, who had been on the run for about six months, was arrested yesterday and detained at Natete Police Station.

The incident happened last year in November, after Bongo was evicted from his rented house due to unpaid rent. He then sought shelter with a South Sudanese family in Kampala, where he was hosted for about four months. Natalia Namaku, the girl’s elder sister, stated that the accused had attempted to rape their maid and sister-in-law during his stay, prompting the family to throw him out.

“Bongo misbehaved during his stay with us. He tried to rape our maid and my sister-in-law, and we had no choice but to send him away,” Namaku explained.

Bongo returned on a later occasion, requesting Namaku’s brother to draw a tattoo for him. While the family members were inside the house, he allegedly lured the girl away. He is said to have taken her near the residence of General Kayanja in Mutundwe for about an hour.

“He used her from behind…we have all the evidence,” the family confirms.

The family immediately reported the case to the police and rushed the child to Nsambya Hospital for medical care. Bongo, who had been on the run since the incident, was arrested yesterday. Currently, investigations are underway.

What does Ugandan law say about defiling a child?

Defilement is addressed in the Penal Code Act, in sections 129 and 130. It is defined as engaging in any form of sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 18, criminalising any act of sexual assault against minors, with strict penalties aimed at protecting children from abuse.

What legal penalties await Bongo Alex if found guilty?

If convicted of defiling the 4-year-old, Bongo Alex faces severe penalties. The law prescribes life imprisonment for persons found guilty of defiling a child under the age of 14. For cases involving children aged 14 to 17, the penalty may include a minimum of 10 years imprisonment, with the possibility of life imprisonment depending on the circumstances and judicial discretion.