Iganga court convicts man for acid attack on estranged wife

IGANGA - After six long years of waiting, justice has finally been served for Rebecca Babirye. 

Charles Basoga, 45, a resident of Mayuge Town Council, was found guilty on April 8, 2025, of pouring acid on his ex-wife in a ruling delivered by Iganga Chief Magistrate Daniel Epobu Kiboko.

The horrific incident occurred on the night of June 20, 2019, when Basoga ambushed Babirye in Sese zone, Mayuge Town Council, and doused her with acid before fleeing into hiding.

Iganga state attorney, Jonathan Tumusime, has asked the court to hand Basoga a life sentence, citing the severe and permanent harm inflicted on the victim.

Tumusime said that Babirye’s vital organs, including her private parts, eyes, and nose, were permanently damaged and no longer function normally.

He added, “As a woman, it is so painful to lose private parts, which are the beauty of a woman, a nose and eyes, which are too sensitive on the body of any person.”

Babirye (red dress) and relatives while leaving court. (Credit: Ivan Wakibi)

Tumusime also stated that the victim’s family has so far spent over sh400 million on treatment, both locally and abroad, including in Turkey. He said the only way justice could be served was through a life sentence for the convict to deter others from such inhumane acts.

However, defence lawyer Victoria Bwenene pleaded for a lenient sentence, arguing that the convict is a first-time offender who has shown remorse during the time spent on remand.

After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Kiboko scheduled sentencing for The magistrate is expected to deliver the sentence on Thursday, April 10, 2025. 

Babirye, who was working as a law enforcement officer at the time of the attack, believes her ex-husband, with whom she shares three children, acted out of jealousy after she refused to return to his home following their separation over family differences.

Several of her relatives, including Henry Ndyowa, Aisha Naigaga, and Ruth Naigaga, accompanied her to court. They expressed hope for justice after enduring a lengthy trial process.