Authorities in Uganda have arrested a 43-year-old junior school teacher after he allegedly tried to sodomize an 11-year-old student during a school trip.
Per the Monitor, the suspect, identified as Godfrey Muwumuza, is a teacher at Kabojja Junior School. Authorities said Muwumuza was part of a supervising staff that had gone on a school trip with students, adding that the suspect allegedly tried to sodomize the student on May 4 and 5.
Authorities said Muwumuza initially tried to use the 11-year-old student’s hand to touch his genitals when the unidentified minor was giving him a torch. The incident was, however, cut short when another student came around.
When they boarded the school bus, Muwumuza allegedly tried to repeat his actions after he sat by the boy. After an unsuccessful attempt to forcefully use the boy’s hand to touch his private parts, the minor moved to another seat, authorities said. But the accused teacher allegedly did not yield as he followed the minor and repeated his actions.
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The boy ultimately texted his mother on WhatsApp to report what was happening as he felt unsafe, per court documents. His mother ultimately reported the incident to police, and Muwumuza was arrested.
The police report stated that Muwumuza admitted to his actions, per the Monitor. The accused 43-year-old teacher appeared before court on Friday, May 9 and was charged with attempted aggravated homosexuality under Section 3(3) of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023.
The chief magistrate remanded Muwumuza until May 19 for the hearing of his bail application after the accused teacher said he did not have any sureties at the moment.
Muwumuza, who denied the charge, could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted. This is because of serious factors such as the victim’s age and the accused teacher’s position of power.
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