Parent accused of defiling pupil arrested

CRIME | TRAGEDY

KIRYANDONGO - Residents of Mutunda sub-county in Kiryandongo district on Sunday aided the arrest of a parent identified as Lawrence Balikagira, who is accused of defiling and impregnating a 16-year-old school girl.

The victim, a primary seven pupil of Echo nursery and primary school, in Mutunda sub-county, Kiryandongo district was found pregnant during one of the pregnancy tests held for all girls at the beginning of the term.

"When the term opened, we sent them for medical test and she was found to be pregnant. We gave her to the senior woman teacher who took her back to her parents," said Tom Latigo, the director of Echo nursery and primary school and former L.C.III chairperson of Mutunda sub-county.

He said the matter was reported at Mutunda Police station but the police officers there were reluctant to arrest the suspect, Lawrence Balikagira, who is also a parent to one of the pupils in the same school.

The matter was then reported at Corner Adek police which apprehended the suspect and has now been sent to Kiryandongo Central Police Station.  

Latigo said the 16-year-old victim was attending the same class with the suspect's daughter.

"Such a case should be followed and the accused prosecuted. I will make sure I follow the case and if there is laxity, I will not hesitate to contact higher authorities." Latigo added.

The officer in charge of Criminal Investigation Department in Kiryandongo district, Kasim Mambo confirmed the arrest and said the police have started investigations into the matter.