Bushenyi Priest sentenced to 28 years in prison over defilement.
The high court in Bushenyi district has sentenced a 46-year-old priest to 28 years in Nyamushekyera government prison on charges of aggravated defilement.
Court presided over by Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma, on Wednesday heard that Rev. Muhwezi Gordon, a priest at Nyarutuntu Church of Uganda in Mitooma district committed the offence in May 2021.
Justice Kavuma found that Rev. Muhwezi, a resident of Nyakishojwa Central cell, Nyakishojwa parish, Mitooma sub-county in Mitooma district was guilty of performing a sexual act on a twelve-year-old girl and impregnating her.
Rev. Muhwezi reportedly used his position to sexually abuse the underage girl when her parents trusted him as her spiritual father.
Justice Kavuma proved beyond reasonable doubt and convicted him to 28 years of imprisonment for others to learn.
“This court has found that Rev. Muhwezi has no past criminal record but also the court has a mandate to protect these young girls. The court has to give Rev. Muhwezi a heavy sentence to keep him away from the society and I found a 28-year jail sentence very appropriate for the convict but also you have a right to appeal over this sentence,” said Lady Justice Kavuma.
Rev. Muhwezi on his part asked court to produce the victim in court and have her testify against him.
“This court should repeat the process and bring the girl whom you alleged that I defiled to testify against me and secondly this court should give a small sentence and a small fine so that I pay and go back home to look after my family,” said Rev Muhwezi.
The same court is set to try cases of gender sexual violence in Greater Bushenyi region for 45 days.
