The Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo, has decided to withdraw charges of aggravated trafficking in persons against Ramathan Ndikuyenze, who holds positions as the Central Division Chairperson of Kisoro Municipality and the Vice Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
State Attorney Richard Biruvumbuki presented a letter dated January 15th, 2024, to Judge Richard Wejuli Wabwire of the International Crimes Division, communicating the DPP’s decision to halt proceedings against Ndikuyenze.
With the withdrawal endorsed by the judge, Ndikuyenze was discharged, unless held on other charges.
Records indicate that Ndikuyenze, represented by Lawyer Evans Ochieng, resides in Kyahi Village, Northern Division, Nyagashinji, Kisoro District.
The case stemmed from investigations initiated when George Mugisha reported his daughter’s disappearance to the police at Kampala Metropolitan and Nansana Police Station.
Subsequent police investigations revealed that the victim, a Senior three student at Kisoro Progressive Secondary School, had left home during the COVID-19 school closures in 2021 in search of employment. Ndikuyenze allegedly promised her a job and accommodation.
Allegations state that Ndikuyenze lured the victim into leaving home without parental consent, offering financial support and the promise of marriage.
Upon returning home, the victim suffered trauma, leading to a miscarriage and withdrawal from school.
Following her escape to Kampala and subsequent illness, the victim was traced to a clinic in Muyenga, where Ndikuyenze was later arrested.
Ndikuyenze spent several months in prison before being granted bail at one million shillings cash, pending the resolution of the charges, which have now been withdrawn by the DPP.
