A Portuguese national, Carlos Alberto De Almeida Costa, has been ordered to stand trial by the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala. He faces charges of aggravated trafficking in children, with allegations of sexually exploiting a 16-year-old girl and her family.
In a pre-trial ruling issued on December 18, 2023, Justice Richard Wejuli Wabwire stated that the evidence presented by the prosecution justified a trial. The court confirmed two counts of aggravated trafficking in persons against Carlos Alberto De Almeida Costa, as stipulated by relevant sections of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act.
The Director of Public Prosecutions argues that the accused, Carlos, met the victim’s mother, Ms Joseline Twongirwe, while she was selling tea by the roadside in Najjera in 2020. Allegedly, their friendship led to Carlos renting a larger house for the victim’s family, eventually sharing his room with the 16-year-old daughter.
According to court records, Carlos is accused of inviting the victim to his room on multiple occasions and engaging in sexual acts with her. The prosecution contends that Carlos suggested marriage, prompting the family’s eviction when they refused.
Carlos’s defense claims the family’s move into his house was voluntary, asserting no coercion. However, Justice Wabwire noted that Carlos admitting to paying the rent indicated his tolerance of the victim’s presence in his room.
The court concluded that the prosecution effectively demonstrated the alleged acts of harboring and receiving a person, leading to the decision to proceed with the trial.
