14 year old allegedly tortured by bishop over UGX 10,000
The Territorial Police in Kampala Metropolitan Police and Kira Division, has charged to court, Bishop Kibuuka Jacinto, of the Evangelical Orthodox Church, located at Mamre Prayer Center, Namugongo, for the alleged Aggravated Torture of Othieno Denis, a 14 year old pupil of Christ the King Junior School, Namungoona.
Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesman revealed in a statement that the facts gathered indicate that on the 22.08.2022, the victim was at Mamre Prayer Center, with his mother, Kemigisha Juliet, who works as a cleaner. The mother left him behind and went to town.
“It was during her absence that the Bishop called the victim and started demanding his money, UGX 10,000 which was allegedly stolen by him. Instead of referring the matter to police, he started beating and kicking the 14 year old victim. He then dragged him into his car and continued beating him as they drove to the mother’s home at Namugongo-Janda in Kira Municipality, to recover the money,” read the statement in part.
Enanga added that it took the intervention of the landlady, who rescued the victim and rushed him to Nuwa Hospital, Nabusugwe-Mukono, where he was admitted. The victim is recovering from the injuries which were classified as Grievous in nature.
Enanga also revealed that the police at Kira upon receiving the complaint, instituted inquiries and obtained very clear accounts of the incident, with relevant witnesses statements. They retrieved medical documents and reconstructed the scene at Mamre Prayer Center.
The Bishop also recorded a statement and was released on bond. It was however, canceled on the 24.08.2022, after charges of Aggravated Torture were sanctioned against him. He was caused to appear in court at Kira on the 25.08.2022.
Police also condemned all acts of torture, harassment and intimidation by church leaders against vulnerable persons. Noting that the acts are not consistent with the values of church and not justified under any circumstance.
