A Catholic priest in the eastern Uganda border district of Busia has been arrested on accusations of defiling a 17-year-old primary school graduate. The arrest occurred at Dabani Parish headquarters, the priest’s assigned location, causing a ripple of shock throughout the community.
Initially detained at Dabani Police Station, the priest was later transferred to Busia Central Police Station. Detectives at Dabani Police Station, actively involved in the ongoing investigation, revealed that tests conducted on the victim indicated she had been defiled. Additionally, examinations of the clergyman himself showed evidence of engaging in sexual intercourse.
“We are analyzing the suspect’s HIV status, although the HCG test on the girl returned negative results,” stated a police source close to the investigation.
Upon arrival at Busia Central Police Station, an anonymous detective described the priest’s condition as concerning, noting that he appeared “alcoholic and shivering.” Tibbs Asiimwe, the Busia District Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) Officer, confirmed the arrest on defilement allegations. However, he added that the priest had been released on medical grounds due to his deteriorating health while in police custody.
“It was difficult to keep him in police cells until today (Monday). We feared that he would cause us ‘problems’ and gave him bond so that he could access treatment. Come back this week, and we will take him to court,” explained Mr. Asiimwe.
The arrest has brought to light a potential violation of the Catholic Church’s doctrine, which mandates priests to adhere to celibacy and abstain from engaging in sexual activities. The community grapples with the shocking revelation as the accused clergyman faces serious legal consequences.
The victim’s family disclosed that the priest was apprehended after allegedly returning their daughter home following her mysterious four-day disappearance. The victim, having recently completed her Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) at a local school in the district, was brought home by the priest, who was reportedly inebriated at the time.
“The priest brought the victim back home on a motorcycle, and when we tried asking him where the girl had been, he started quarreling,” recounted a family source.
The family’s suspicions grew when their daughter went missing for four days, and upon her return with the priest, they initiated a formal complaint at Dabani Police Station. This complaint set in motion the events leading to the priest’s arrest.
As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits further developments, and the Catholic Church faces scrutiny over the alleged misconduct of one of its members.
