Local leaders and parents of victims in a rape and sodomy case involving pupils of Miracle Infant Junior School in Katovu Town Council, Lwengo District, are demanding an open court trial of the suspect, saying it would help calm rising public anger and reinforce trust in the justice system.
Last week, police arrested Hetman Jjingo, the school headteacher, on allegations of raping and sodomising four pupils aged between 6 and 10 years.
Twaha Kasirye, the Greater Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the arrest, saying it followed a tip-off from one of the parents who became suspicious after noticing changes in the child’s health. A medical examination later confirmed sexual abuse.
According to police, the victim further revealed that three other pupils from the same school had also suffered similar abuse allegedly at the hands of the same headteacher, who is reported to have threatened them with death if they disclosed the incidents.
Kasirye added that after his arrest, the suspect allegedly confessed to the offences involving minors, including two girls and two boys in Primary Three and Primary Four.
The development has sparked outrage in the community, with parents now calling for a swift and transparent court process, arguing that an open trial would serve as a deterrent to other potential offenders.
Joyce Nantume, one of the affected parents, expressed concern that extended remand could delay justice for the victims.
“These incidents have created fear and deep anger in the community, which can only be addressed if the case is handled openly and concluded quickly,” she said, adding that an open court session within the area would help restore public confidence.
Elisha Ssebandeke, the Katovu LCI chairperson, said the confessions from both the victims and the suspect have shocked the community, calling for severe punishment to serve as a warning to other irresponsible teachers in the area.
He noted that Lwengo District has registered repeated cases of sexual abuse against children, saying the current case should be handled in an open court to help protect other children who could be at similar risk.
“We demand that government conducts the trial of this person within our community so that everyone can follow the proceedings,” he said.
Ibrahim Kitatta, the outgoing Lwengo District Chairperson, said they will engage the judiciary to ensure the case is given priority as part of efforts to deliver timely justice to the victims and their families.
He condemned the suspect for allegedly abusing the trust of parents by violating children placed under his direct care.
Kitatta added that they have also engaged the school’s director, who has pledged to cooperate with security agencies to ensure the victims receive justice through the courts of law.
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