A Rwandan national, Ezekiel Kajieni, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Kitgum Chief Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to defiling a 15-year-old girl in Bajere South Village, Labongo Akwang Sub- County.
Kitgum Chief Magistrate Robert Ekirita Nashiero handed down the sentence on Tuesday after Kajieni changed his initial not-guilty plea to guilty, admitting to the offense.
The court acknowledged his plea as a sign of remorse and noted that it had saved valuable judicial time and resources.
According to state prosecutors, the incident occurred on January 4, 2025, when Kajieni, a neighbor to the victim, took advantage of the minor.
He was arrested the same day and remanded to Kitgum Government Prison, where he has been held since.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Ekirita emphasized that the court sought to uphold justice and send a strong message to potential offenders about the gravity of crimes against minors.
“This is a serious offense. The sentence should serve as a deterrent and a call to reform,” Ekirita stated.
Taking into account the time Kajieni has already served—three months and 28 days—the court ruled that he will serve the remaining 14 months and two days behind bars.
Before concluding the session, Magistrate Ekirita issued a stern warning to Kajieni to stay away from minors upon his release.
“The law in Uganda takes the protection of children very seriously,” he added.
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