The Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MUZARDI) is facing serious accusations of shielding a staff member from facing aggravated sodomy charges, sparking public outrage and calls for justice.
Moses Kasiita, a farm operator at MUZARDI and resident of Ntaawo village in Mukono Municipality, was initially arrested in April 2023 after allegations surfaced that he had sexually assaulted 25-year-old Ismah Kaweesa.
According to police reports, Kasiita was held in custody for 13 days but later released on police bond after spending over 48 hours in custody.
Since his release, community members claim he has largely evaded public scrutiny, leading to suspicions of institutional interference.
Kaweesa recounted the events leading to the alleged assault, describing a scenario that has since left him both physically and emotionally scarred.
After a domestic dispute, Kaweesa sought refuge with Kasiita, whom he regarded as a trusted friend and father figure.
The two reportedly shared drinks at a local bar before returning to Kasiita’s home, where he offered Kaweesa a drink and a banana.
Kaweesa says he lost consciousness shortly after and woke up hours later in pain, naked, and aware that he had been sodomised.
“I went to bed wearing my pants, but when I woke up, I was completely naked and in excruciating pain. I could not control my body,” Kaweesa explained, adding that he was left feeling humiliated and betrayed by someone he had trusted.
Medical examinations conducted at Mukono General Hospital confirmed Kaweesa had been sexually abused, and he was prescribed post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) due to concerns about the unknown HIV status of his alleged assailant.
Allegations of Interference
The incident has led to accusations of interference from MUZARDI officials and other influential figures, who allegedly pressured police to release Kasiita on bond.
Kaweesa claims that when he reported the assault to the authorities, the investigative process encountered multiple hurdles.
He was informed by the investigating officer, Gorrett Nantaba, that a visit to the crime scene was required as part of the investigation.
However, the officer cited a lack of transportation as an obstacle, casting doubts on the thoroughness of the inquiry.
Kaweesa said he offered to provide transportation but became concerned that the case would not be pursued seriously.
“It is heartbreaking to see such a heinous crime potentially being swept under the rug,” he said, adding that Kasiita was released before police had the chance to examine the scene of the crime.
Kasiita was re-arrested last week, only to be released again on bond, which has fueled public frustration.
Residents have rallied behind Kaweesa, calling for Kasiita’s immediate re-arrest and a formal trial.
MUZARDI’s Response
MUZARDI has publicly distanced itself from the controversy.
Spokesperson Maria Nampeera clarified that Kasiita is not a formal employee of the institute but rather a casual laborer working at the farm.
“He does not hold a staff position; he only works on a casual basis,” Nampeera stated, emphasizing that MUZARDI had no role in the police proceedings.
However, critics argue that MUZARDI’s alleged involvement in securing Kasiita’s release reflects a broader culture of impunity, allowing individuals accused of serious offenses to evade accountability.
The institute’s perceived inaction has sparked questions about the ethical obligations of institutions in handling cases involving serious allegations like aggravated sodomy.
Legal and Social Implications
Under Ugandan law, acts deemed “against the order of nature,” including homosexuality, are criminal offenses.
Human rights advocates argue that, while cases of consensual same-sex relations are criminalized, instances of sexual assault must be approached with a clear focus on justice for victims.
For Kaweesa, the pursuit of justice has become a prolonged ordeal. “This is not only about me,” he said.
“It’s about standing against a system that can so easily ignore the pleas of those without influence or power.”
As of publication, Kasiita could not be reached for comment, with his known contacts proving unreachable.
With the community rallying for justice, residents and rights groups are closely monitoring whether authorities will take further action in the coming weeks.
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