Police asked to release findings on officers accused of defiling Buyende pupil

BUYENDE - The Police management has been urged to release the report of three Police officers accused of defiling a 16-year-old girl in Buyende district.

Buyende district LC 5 chairperson David Kanaku says the incident allegedly happened during the climbing of Kagulu Hill challenge organised by the Busoga King last year.

A Primary Seven girl was allegedly defiled by three Police officers during the Busoga Kingdom’s Kagulu hill climbing in Buyende district on 17 August, said Kanaku.

“A case was reported at Irundu subcounty station with SD: Ref 21/17/8/24, but it is one year since no arrests have been made to date,” Kanaku said.

The chairperson made the call during the media journalism awards, reporting on gender, equality, WASH and sexual reproductive health rights under the Share project organised by WaterAid Uganda.

The share project was created to empower the girls and young men through safe reproductive health and rights to go hand in hand in the districts of Adjumani and Buyende, with the highest violence on sexual reproductive health.

He cited the case of Buyende as one of the many cases involving culprits left free due to a broader system in handling sexual violence cases involving state actors.

According to Kanaku, Buyende has the highest number of sexually abused children in the country, with 400 pupils who start primary education, but only 70 pupils completing the cycle.

He added that 'we cannot have the suspect walk free when we have evidence'. He explained that it is because of setting suspects go scot-free that Buyende is next to Karamoja districts in sexual violence. 

“It is a pity that it is only in Buyende district where you find a grandmother below 30 years. We need to report such cases if we are to have meaningful development," Kanaku said.

Sam Opio was awarded the Print Media Gold Award for outstanding performance and unwavering commitment to reporting on gender equality, WASH, and reproductive health rights under the Share project on October 16, 2025. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)

Stories that advocate for change

WaterAid Uganda country director Dr. Joyce Magala thanked journalists who have helped to tell stories advocating for change in society.

Magala said they have a vision of ensuring girls and young women have access to safe water, hygiene and the right to make informed choices about their health and their future.

She said this event is more than excellent reporting, but about the journalism force of change and real work that has brought hidden stories to light.

Buyende deputy Resident District Commissioner, Emmanuel Okware, thanked the Share project team for educating the community on gender issues and sexual reproductive health in their communities and for local council governance.

Okware said people are now advocating for proper reproductive health and gender behaviour change towards a positive outcome in all their deliberations.

He thanked the journalists who created awareness and impact in society through their stories.

Sam Opio was the best in the print media journalist for the gold award, the outstanding performance and unwavering commitment to reporting on gender equality, WASH and sexual reproductive health rights under the share project.

He received a certificate and a camera.

Caroline Namatende was awarded a broadcast media bronze award, David Anyanzo Bronze award for multimedia reporting, outstanding journalist in TV, Moses Mutaka, media broadcast 1st runner up, Allan Ozima, and outstanding journalist on linework Mark Taibot, who also received and will be awarded a camera.