Kabalagala Police have arrested a 43-year-old man from Simbwa Zone, in Makindye East Division, Kampala, over allegations of defiling five girls aged between four and eight years.
The suspect, identified as Richard Muganzi, was arrested on Saturday after residents reportedly became suspicious of his activities and confronted him at his home.
According to police, the incident came to light after one of the alleged victims was seen emerging from Muganzi’s house crying. When a parent asked the child why she was crying, she reportedly pointed towards the suspect’s house.
Residents reportedly rushed to the house, where they allegedly found Muganzi attempting to sexually assault another girl. Police were immediately called to the scene and intervened before an angry mob could attack the suspect. Officers reportedly took Muganzi into custody at Kabalagala Police Station.
Bruno Sseremba, the defense secretary of Simbwa Zone, said the parents of the five alleged victims had previously raised concerns about Muganzi’s conduct. Sseremba said the parents alleged that Muganzi had been luring children to his home by offering them sweets and sh500. He claimed that the allegations against Muganzi had been raised before Saturday’s incident, but that the suspect had not been arrested at the time.
According to Sseremba, the parents initially took the children to Kabalagala Police Station for examination. They were later reportedly referred to Makindye Barracks for further medical assessment. Sseremba said a Uganda People’s Defence Forces doctor, who examined the children, reportedly found signs consistent with alleged penetration using fingers. However, Sseremba said when the parents returned to Kabalagala Police Station, an officer declined to order for Muganzi’s arrest, claiming there was insufficient evidence at the time.
Sseremba said the situation changed on Saturday morning when Muganzi was allegedly caught in the act. “The parents were very angry and wanted to take matters into their own hands, but the police intervened quickly and took him away,” Sseremba said. The incident has since raised concern among residents, with local leaders calling for increased vigilance to protect children from sexual abuse.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Recheal Kawala confirmed that police were investigating the matter, adding that detectives were working to establish what happened and verify the allegations against the suspect. “After investigations, the defilement case will be sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice,” Kawala said.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. Police are expected to record statements from the children, their parents, and other witnesses, as well as examine the available medical evidence.
