(Mbale) – A High Court in Mbale has sentenced Fred Luke Wotsuna, a 37 year old man from Manafwa District, to 10 years in prison for the defilement of his 12 year old stepdaughter, Esther. Wotsuna’s sentence follows his guilty plea in a landmark virtual trial, marking a significant step forward for Uganda’s judicial system.
Wotsuna had been in remand for seven years prior to this trial. He accepted a plea bargain which considered his time already spent in custody. The case dates back to August 27, 2017, when Wotsuna reportedly assaulted the minor in their home in Buta Parish, Nalondo Sub-county, while his partner was away. The assault was discovered by the victim’s brother, and her uncle later reported the incident to the police, leading to Wotsuna’s arrest in September 2017.
The prosecution, led by Justine Chekwech, presented medical evidence that supported the allegations, strengthening the case against Wotsuna. Although Uganda’s Penal Code Act stipulates a possible death sentence for aggravated defilement, recent rulings, including the precedent set by the Susan Kigula vs. Attorney General case, have allowed courts more flexibility in sentencing. Sentencing guidelines suggest a minimum sentence of 35 years for such cases; however, Wotsuna’s plea bargain led to a reduced 10 year sentence, considering his remorse and status as a first time offender.
| Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Fred Luke Wotsuna, age 37 |
| Crime | Aggravated defilement of 12 year old stepdaughter |
| Location | Buta Parish, Nalondo Sub-county, Manafwa District |
| Sentence | 10 years in prison |
| Time Spent on Remand | 7 years |
Defense lawyer Geoffrey Napa highlighted Wotsuna’s remorse and the willingness of the victim and complainants to accept the plea deal, which was intended to expedite the judicial process. Napa noted that the victim, now 19, supported the arrangement, as it allowed for a quicker resolution and promoted healing among those involved. Resident Judge Farouk Kirunda endorsed the plea bargain, acknowledging the efficiency of the process in delivering timely justice.
Wotsuna expressed gratitude for the chance to serve his sentence and eventually reunite with his family, showing appreciation for the complainants’ willingness to reach a resolution.
The trial also drew significant attention due to its virtual nature, overseen by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Butera and UNDP country representative Nwanne Vwede-Obahor. This virtual hearing reflects ongoing efforts by the judiciary to use technology to streamline court proceedings, reduce case backlogs, and ensure justice is delivered more efficiently. Virtual trials, initiated in Gulu in April 2019, have since been used across Uganda, even in high-profile cases, making court processes accessible to individuals who might face challenges in physically attending.
Justice Butera encouraged the public to embrace alternative dispute resolution methods and highlighted the judiciary’s plans to adopt more technological solutions to ease the judicial process. This trial also emphasized the judiciary’s recent move toward using video conferencing in court proceedings. Advocates, including Edmund Nanguli and Geoffrey Napa, praised the virtual system’s role in enhancing accessibility to justice, especially for those unable to travel to court.
Napa cited a recent case where a witness in Abu Dhabi testified remotely through video conferencing, saving considerable time and resources.
