Pastor arrested over domestic violence, child neglect

The Police in Namayingo district are holding a 42-year-old pastor over allegations of domestic violence and child neglect.

Job Mutegeki, the officer in-charge  of criminal investigations at Namayingo Police Station, identified the suspect as Alfred Omallo, a pastor under the ministry of advancing the kingdom of God in Nawasige sub-county in Bugweri district.

Mutegeki said  Omallo left his home in Bukewa village in Buhemba sub-county in Namayingo district after a domestic misunderstanding.

According to Gonza Bulamu, the Namayingo district probation officer, Omallo tortured his wife and children. He removed the iron sheets from the house and sold all the house items and food.

He  said Omallo left his family in a desperate state and went to pastor in Nawasige where he married another woman.

Maureen Nafula, a mother of four and a first wife of Omallo said  her husband left home in 2015.

Nafula said during their stay, her husband mistreated her and the children.

"Our marriage was characterised by domestic violence, misery and mistreatment," Nafula said.  She said the day her husband left, he sold everything.

Nafula said: "He sold everything and left us with nothing, he  never told us where  he was going.''

Nafula said she reported the matter to Police and the probation office. She said  her husband had been arrested after a search by the authorities.

Gonza decried the increasing rates of domestic violence in Namayingo district. He noted that a number of men have abandoned their families.

He said  men have left responsibilities to the women and this has affected the future of the children.

Mutegeki said Omallo has been charged with domestic violence and child neglect and will be produced in the courts of law.