A man in Tinderet has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl with a disability.
The accused was convicted by Principal Magistrate Sylvia Ashitsa Muhanda for defilement under Section 8(1), read together with Section 8(3) of the Sexual Offences Act. He had also faced an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child under Section 11(1) of the same legislation.
The conviction followed a trial in which the prosecution, led by Counsel Kaburu Perminus, presented five witnesses alongside documentary and other exhibits to support its case.
According to evidence presented in court, the incident occurred on March 30, 2025, when the girl had been sent by her mother to run an errand.
The court heard that the accused allegedly seized the minor and took her into a milking pen, where the sexual offence was committed. Concerned by her daughter’s delayed return, the mother sent another child to search for her. During the search, the sibling reportedly learnt that the girl had been seen in the company of the accused.
The minor later returned home and informed her mother about what had happened, prompting a report to the police. The suspect was subsequently arrested and charged before the court.
During the proceedings, the court also heard that the victim had a disability and had experienced psychological and developmental difficulties from the age of nine months.
After examining the testimonies and evidence presented by the prosecution, Magistrate Muhanda ruled that the charge of defilement had been established beyond reasonable doubt. The court consequently handed the accused a 20-year prison sentence.
He has 14 days to challenge the conviction and sentence through an appeal.
