Julius Chelimo, the former chairperson of Bukwo district LC5, accused of defilement and human trafficking, is scheduled to appear in the International Crimes Division of the High Court on Monday.
On December 8, 2023, Justice Andrew Bashaija denied bail to Chelimo and his co-accused, Felix Kiplim and Joshua Kwemoi. Kiplim faces charges of promoting child trafficking while Kwemoi is charged with aggravated trafficking in children.
Justice Bashaija emphasized the severity of the offenses, noting that aggravated trafficking in children carries a death penalty upon conviction. He cited the potential flight risk of the accused and the power dynamics in the case as reasons for denying bail.
Despite concerns raised by the defense regarding delays in the case, Justice Bashaija reassigned the case files to another pre-trial judge to ensure expedited proceedings.
According to the prosecution, Chelimo allegedly recruited or received a 16-year-old girl for sexual exploitation and defiled her. Kiplim is accused of allowing his premises to be used for sexual exploitation, while Kwemoi allegedly facilitated the victim’s coercion into a sexual relationship with Chelimo.
The prosecution contends that Chelimo exploited the victim’s vulnerability and promised to marry her and settle her in Kampala, ultimately engaging in sexual intercourse with her multiple times.
Chelimo, formerly a rebel leader of the Uganda Saving Force (USF), resigned from his post as LC5 chairperson in October 2022. Despite his past involvement in armed rebellion, he transitioned into politics and won the Bukwo district chairperson seat in the 2021 general election.
