Police in Bwera Division, Kasese District, have arrested 20-year-old Kelvin Mumbere of Buswagha village, Mughete parish, Kitabu subcounty, on suspicion of defiling a four-year-old girl.
According to Rwenzori East Region police spokesperson Elly Maate, the incident occurred on the evening of July 22 when Mumbere allegedly lured the child away from a group of playmates by promising to buy her bread. He reportedly took her to an isolated spot behind an old house, assaulted her, and then told her to return home.
The child later disclosed the incident to her mother, who alerted police. Officers traced and arrested Mumbere shortly afterward. Maate said investigations into the case are ongoing.
The arrest comes amid persistent concerns about child safety in Uganda. The Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025 shows aggravated defilement remains a major crime affecting children, with 3,473 cases recorded in 2025 compared with 4,072 in 2024.
The report notes offenders include guardians, teachers and other individuals, underscoring the vulnerability of minors to sexual violence.
Police have urged parents, guardians and communities to remain vigilant, supervise children closely and report suspected cases of child abuse to authorities.
The matter remains under investigation and further legal action will follow the outcome of police inquiries.
