A Portuguese national who pleaded guilty and was fined sh30 million over sexual exploitation of a minor is expected to return to court in Uganda today (March 27).

The International Crimes Division of the High Court presided over Justice Andrew Bashaija last week remanded Carlos Alberto De Almedia E Costa to Luzira Prison for failing to pay the fine in compensation.

On Wednesday, Carlos is expected to update court on the progress of the payment to the victim. 

If he fails to pay the money, court is expected to give its view regarding further action.

The offender, represented by Daniel Anguallia, reached an agreement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. 

Consequently, he was convicted based on his own plea of guilty.

The Nakasero-based International Crimes Division of the High Court, presided over by Bashaija, ordered him to pay compensation. 

When he was produced in court on Tuesday last week (March 21), Senior State Attorney at the ODPP, Marion Ben Bella, informed the court that Carlos had not yet paid the money.

Ben Bella requested the court to further remand the convict until he fulfills the terms of his release.

However, his lawyer requested the court to remand the convict until March 27 to allow him to secure the money. 

Carlos, a resident of Busibante village in Kira Division, has spent four years in jail.

According to the prosecution, the crime he pleaded guilty to happened between April and May 2020 in Busibante village, Kira division in Wakiso district.

He received and harbored a minor by means of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability by giving her payments to achieve her consent for the purpose of sexual exploitation.