Jinja clinical officer arrested over aggravated defilement

__________________

A 40-year-old clinical officer accused of defiling a five-year-old girl has been arrested in Uganda's eastern city of Jinja.

Fred Kazungu, who is attached to Mpummudde Health Centre IV, faces a charge of aggravated defilement.

Under Ugandan law, aggravated defilement — having a sexual act with another person aged below 14 — attracts a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.

Police said the suspect allegedly used food items to lure the young girl to his room, which is located within the premises of the health centre.

Later, the victim's mother — who operates a canteen at the health facility — noticed her daughter appearing to walk with pain.

When she pressed for answers, the girl reported what had allegedly happened to her at Kazungu's place.

James Mubi, the Kiira regional police spokesperson, told New Vision that the victim's mother reported the matter to the health facility's top management. The authorities then informed Mpummudde Police, who intervened by arresting the suspect.

Mubi said medical and other mandatory procedures conducted revealed Kazungu to be of sound mind.

"Medical examinations have been conducted on the victim and we are working with the family and child protection officers to ensure the young girl receives the necessary psychosocial support," he added.

Meanwhile, the suspect will be produced before court to answer the charge of aggravated defilement.

In the wake of this case, Kiira police urged parents to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour around children.

They also appealed to the top management of the Allied Health Professionals' Council to have the certificate of the suspect revoked upon conviction.

According to the 2024 Annual Police Crime Report, 4,072 cases of aggravated defilement were reported, compared to 3,846 reported in 2023 — a 5.7% rise in the crime.