After nearly four years of awaiting trial while in custody, Staff Sergeant Rajab Tumwesigye, a member of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has been acquitted of aggravated defilement charges by the General Court Martial (GCM) in Kampala.
The decision to acquit Tumwesigye was made by GCM chairperson Brigadier General Robert Freeman Mugabe on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The court ruled in favor of the defendant, citing insufficient evidence presented by the prosecution to establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tumwesigye was accused of engaging in sexual acts with a girl below the age of 14 at Katabi Barracks in Wakiso district on or around February 26, 2020. However, the court found that the prosecution failed to convincingly prove that Tumwesigye committed the alleged offense.
During the trial, the prosecution presented four witnesses, including the victim, Melody Giramia, her parents, and a medical examiner. Giramia testified that Tumwesigye had coerced her into a sexual encounter, but the defense argued that the allegations were unfounded and driven by ulterior motives.
In his defense, Tumwesigye maintained his innocence, asserting that the accusations against him were fueled by personal vendettas rather than factual evidence. He presented alibi witnesses, including his wife and a colleague, who testified to his whereabouts at the time of the alleged incident.
The court carefully evaluated the testimonies of both the prosecution and defense witnesses before reaching its verdict. Ultimately, it concluded that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to establish Tumwesigye’s culpability beyond a reasonable doubt.
Brigadier General Mugabe emphasized that the court’s decision was based on a thorough assessment of all available evidence. He affirmed that Tumwesigye was acquitted of the charges and should be released from custody, unless held for other lawful reasons.
The acquittal marks the end of a lengthy legal battle for Tumwesigye, who has spent years awaiting trial while maintaining his innocence. As he walks free, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence in the judicial system.
