Driver remanded over human trafficking, sexual exploitation
According to the charge sheet, Mugarura allegedly committed the offence between July 2024 and July 2026 at Buganda Road Flats, Block 668, in Kampala.
Derick Tumusiime Mugarura appearing before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court. (Photo by Sophia Kagoya)
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A 42-year-old tourist driver has been charged before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court with trafficking in persons following allegations that he lured young girls to live with him under the pretext of sponsoring their education, before he sexually exploited them.
The accused, identified as Derrick Tumusiime Mugarura, a resident of Buganda Road Flats in Kampala, denied the charge when he appeared before Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa.
According to the charge sheet, Mugarura allegedly committed the offence between July 2024 and July 2026 at Buganda Road Flats, Block 668, in Kampala.
Prosecution led by Senior State Attorney Grace Amy, alleges that he transported Brenda Orishaba, 20, through abuse of power or a position of vulnerability for purposes of sexual exploitation.
However, the police brief and witness account indicate that Orishaba was allegedly 16 years old when she was brought to stay with the accused. Magistrate Kidasa said this discrepancy in Orishaba's stated age requires clarification by the prosecution.
According to the prosecution, the matter came to light following a complaint by Robert Aziine , the Local Council II chairperson of Nakasero, who reportedly raised concerns about the welfare of two girls who were staying with the accused.
The girls were identified as Brenda Orishaba and Hope Kyomukama. The complainant (Aziine) reportedly told investigators that in 2024, Mugarura brought the two girls to Buganda Road Flats, Block 668, claiming that he intended to sponsor their education by paying their school fees.
The police brief further alleges that Mugarura forced Orishaba to undergo an abortion.
Orishaba was subsequently subjected to a medical examination, with the police brief indicating that a Police Form 3A (medical examination report) recorded an old rupture.
The accused was later arrested and charged.
In a statement made at police, Aziine said he became concerned after Mugarura reportedly approached him on August 18, 2026, claiming that Orishaba had developed bad behaviour and that he was no longer interested in staying with her.
Aziine said he was concerned because Orishaba was expected to sit her Primary Seven examinations.
He reportedly intervened and contacted the administration of Buganda Road Primary School to seek permission for the girl to sit her examinations.
Aziine reportedly said he subsequently contacted the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) office responsible for children's affairs on August 20, 2026, where he was advised to report the matter to police for further management and investigation.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Amy informed court that investigations had been completed and asked for a hearing date.
The defence lawyer, Christopher Ochom, informed court that he intended to apply for bail on behalf of his client (Mugarura) at the next court appearance.
The court granted the request and adjourned the matter to November 16, with the accused remanded until then.
Under Section 2 of the Act, trafficking in persons attracts a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail upon conviction.
However, Section 3 provides for aggravated trafficking in persons, which attracts life imprisonment upon conviction. One of the circumstances constituting aggravated trafficking is where the victim is a child.
The law defines a child as a person below 18 years. If the prosecution team establishes that the alleged victim was below 18 years at the time of the offence and proves the elements of aggravated trafficking, the accused could face life imprisonment if convicted.
The law also provides for restitution and possible compensation to victims following conviction.