News
Police arrest teen housemaid over alleged defilement of five-year-old boy
“The suspect has been identified as Mary Zaina, a 19-year-old female. The victim is a 5-year-old male pupil, both residents of the above-mentioned area,” Kawala said.
KMP spokesperson Racheal Kawala said investigations are ongoing, and the suspect remains in police custody pending further inquiries (File photo)
By: Charles Etukuri, Journalist @New Vision
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Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, said officers at Kabalagala Police Station are holding a 19-year-old housemaid in connection with the alleged aggravated defilement of a five-year-old boy.
KMP spokesperson Racheal Kawala said the incident is reported to have occurred on June 6, 2026, at approximately 10:00am in Kimbugwe zone, Kibuli parish, Makindye division, Kampala district.
“The suspect has been identified as Mary Zaina, a 19-year-old female. The victim is a 5-year-old male pupil, both residents of the above-mentioned area,” Kawala said.
Kawala explained that, according to preliminary reports, on June 6, 2026, at about 10:00am, the suspect was allegedly found engaging in acts amounting to aggravated defilement of the child under her care inside their house in Kimbugwe zone, Kibuli parish, Makindye division, Kampala district.
“Investigations are ongoing, and the suspect remains in police custody pending further inquiries,” she added.
She further noted that, “parents and guardians are advised to exercise caution and conduct proper background checks when hiring domestic workers, while ensuring the safety and well-being of children under their care.”
Crime statistics
While releasing the 2025 Annual Crime Report in April this year, inspector general of police Abbas Byakagaba said a total of 196,405 cases were reported to police in 2025, compared to 218,715 in 2024, representing a 10.2 per cent reduction.
Of the reported cases, 115,301 were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, of which 79,291 were taken to court. A total of 24,899 cases secured convictions, with 31,732 people convicted and sentenced.
“Investigations are ongoing, and the suspect remains in police custody pending further inquiries,” she added.
She further noted that, “parents and guardians are advised to exercise caution and conduct proper background checks when hiring domestic workers, while ensuring the safety and well-being of children under their care.”
Crime statistics
While releasing the 2025 Annual Crime Report in April this year, inspector general of police Abbas Byakagaba said a total of 196,405 cases were reported to police in 2025, compared to 218,715 in 2024, representing a 10.2 per cent reduction.
Of the reported cases, 115,301 were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, of which 79,291 were taken to court. A total of 24,899 cases secured convictions, with 31,732 people convicted and sentenced.
Defilement cases
Uganda recorded 10,492 defilement cases in 2025, reflecting a 14.8% decrease from the 12,312 cases reported in 2024, according to the report.
Despite the decline, police said defilement remains one of the most reported crimes in the country, raising continued concerns about child protection and access to justice.
The report highlighted several alarming trends involving perpetrators known to victims. A total of 94 children were defiled by teachers, 65 by guardians and 191 by suspects known to be HIV-positive.
Of the 10,492 cases reported, 7,019 were classified as simple defilement, while 3,473 were categorised as aggravated defilement.
Aggravated cases typically involve violence, coercion or particularly vulnerable victims, making them more serious under the law.
Court cases, arrests and convictions
Of all the reported cases, 4,886 were taken to court, 713 resulted in convictions, 27 resulted in acquittals, 355 were dismissed, 3,791 remain pending before court, 1,932 were not proceeded with, and 3,674 are still under inquiry.
A total of 4,999 suspects were arrested and charged before court. Of these, 740 were convicted, 27 were acquitted, 332 were discharged and 3,900 are currently undergoing trial.
Uganda recorded 10,492 defilement cases in 2025, reflecting a 14.8% decrease from the 12,312 cases reported in 2024, according to the report.
Despite the decline, police said defilement remains one of the most reported crimes in the country, raising continued concerns about child protection and access to justice.
The report highlighted several alarming trends involving perpetrators known to victims. A total of 94 children were defiled by teachers, 65 by guardians and 191 by suspects known to be HIV-positive.
Of the 10,492 cases reported, 7,019 were classified as simple defilement, while 3,473 were categorised as aggravated defilement.
Aggravated cases typically involve violence, coercion or particularly vulnerable victims, making them more serious under the law.
Court cases, arrests and convictions
Of all the reported cases, 4,886 were taken to court, 713 resulted in convictions, 27 resulted in acquittals, 355 were dismissed, 3,791 remain pending before court, 1,932 were not proceeded with, and 3,674 are still under inquiry.
A total of 4,999 suspects were arrested and charged before court. Of these, 740 were convicted, 27 were acquitted, 332 were discharged and 3,900 are currently undergoing trial.