The International Crimes Division of the High Court has charged Julius Chelimo, the former chairperson of Bukwo district, with aggravated defilement and child trafficking. The court made this decision on Monday, May 6, 2024. Justice Alice Khaukha Komuhangi ruled that the prosecution had provided enough evidence to implicate Chelimo in these crimes.
Chelimo will stand trial before a panel of three justices, whose appointment is pending by the court registrar. Komuhangi stated that the evidence from the prosecution was adequate to demonstrate that Chelimo, in a position of authority, engaged in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl.
The judge emphasized that as a district leader, Chelimo had a responsibility to protect the victim. The allegations against him include recruiting or receiving a 16-year-old girl for sexual exploitation through abuse of power or position of vulnerability, as well as defiling her. Additionally, another individual, Kiplimo, is accused of allowing his premises to be used for sexual exploitation.
According to court documents, the victim was living with her elder sister in Bukwo district. The prosecution claims that Chelimo attempted to establish a sexual relationship with the victim through intermediaries. When these attempts failed, Chelimo used the victim’s uncle to persuade her. On October 21, 2022, the uncle took the girl to Chelimo’s residence, where he forced her into sexual intercourse multiple times.
Chelimo allegedly made false promises of marriage and relocation to Kampala to the victim. At the time of his arrest, Chelimo had already resigned from his position as LC5 chairperson. Previously, he was associated with the Uganda Saving Force rebel group but was granted amnesty in 2016. Chelimo then transitioned to politics and won the 2021 general election to become the Bukwo district chairperson.
