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Reverend remanded in Bushenyi over aggravated defilement charges
Prosecution told court that Rev. Atwebembire was arrested on July 23, 2026, after he allegedly invited a 15-year-old Primary Seven pupil of Kabushaho Primary School to his residence, where he allegedly lured her into a sexual act.
The accused did not take a plea because the offence is triable by the High Court. Magistrate Niyokwizera remanded Rev. Atwebembire to Nyamushekyera Government Prison until September 7, 2026, when the case will return to court for further mention.
By: Bruno Mugizi, Journalist @New Vision
BUSHENYI - A Church of Uganda priest has been remanded to Nyamushekyera Government Prison after appearing before the Grade One Magistrate's Court in Bushenyi on charges of aggravated defilement.
The accused, Rev. Michael Atwebembire, a curate at Kabushaho Church of Uganda in West Ankole Diocese, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Emmanuel Niyokwizera on July 27, 2026.
Prosecution told court that Rev. Atwebembire was arrested on July 23, 2026, after he allegedly invited a 15-year-old Primary Seven pupil of Kabushaho Primary School to his residence, where he allegedly lured her into a sexual act.
The accused did not take a plea because the offence is triable by the High Court.
Magistrate Niyokwizera remanded Rev. Atwebembire to Nyamushekyera Government Prison until September 7, 2026, when the case will return to court for further mention.
The Greater Bushenyi subregion police commander, Godfrey Achiria, said the suspect was arrested after the victim's parents lodged a complaint at Bushenyi Central Police Station.
Magistrate Niyokwizera remanded Rev. Atwebembire to Nyamushekyera Government Prison until September 7, 2026, when the case will return to court for further mention.
The Greater Bushenyi subregion police commander, Godfrey Achiria, said the suspect was arrested after the victim's parents lodged a complaint at Bushenyi Central Police Station.
"The suspect was arrested following a complaint from the victim's parents. They alleged that he had been enticing the girl with sweets, biscuits and chapatis before allegedly luring her into a sexual act. Investigations into the matter are ongoing," Achiria said.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, the dean of West Ankole Diocese, Rev. John Makuru, said the diocese was committed to ensuring justice prevails.
"As a diocese, we want the truth to prevail. We shall allow the law to take its course," Makuru said.
He, however, noted that there had been unresolved misunderstandings between some members of the clergy and the administration of Kabushaho Primary School, which he said had created suspicion.
"There have been unsettled issues between the clergy and the school administration, and this has raised some suspicion. Nevertheless, we believe the courts will establish the truth," Makuru added.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, the dean of West Ankole Diocese, Rev. John Makuru, said the diocese was committed to ensuring justice prevails.
"As a diocese, we want the truth to prevail. We shall allow the law to take its course," Makuru said.
He, however, noted that there had been unresolved misunderstandings between some members of the clergy and the administration of Kabushaho Primary School, which he said had created suspicion.
"There have been unsettled issues between the clergy and the school administration, and this has raised some suspicion. Nevertheless, we believe the courts will establish the truth," Makuru added.