Police in Butaleja District in eastern Uganda have arrested a 31-year-old teacher for allegedly eloping with his 16-year-old student.
The suspect, identified as John Omondi, allegedly eloped with one of his students at Mabale Primary School in Butaleja Sub-county in January this year, before he got her pregnant.
His arrest came after some parents reported the case to Butaleja Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Stanley Bayole.
The police spokesman for Bukedi South Region, Mr Moses Mugwe, who confirmed the incident on Sunday, May 30, said Omondi’s offence amounted to aggravated defilement.
“We have arrested a teacher in a government-aided primary school on allegations of defiling, marrying and impregnating a pupil (names withheld because she’s a minor). Both the suspect and the victim were found staying together,” Mr Mugwe said.
He said Omondi who is currently detained at Butaleja central police station will be charged with aggregated defilement when investigations are completed.
Police said the girl and the suspect will to be subjected to medical examination as part of their investigations.
Mugwe discouraged teachers who he said are supposed to act as parents to their students and pupils against sexually exploiting them.
“Acts of defilement undermine the learner’s potential to attain vital goals in life. We therefore, encourage the general public to be on the lookout and report such human rights abuses to police for further action,” he stated.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Bayole said the girl is two months pregnant and that the teacher had advised her to abort.
According to the Commissioner, at least 20 suspected offenders have been arrested in the last two months in the district on allegations of rape and defilement.
“Last month I arrested a teacher of private school in Busolwe town council over alleged defilement and is currently on remand in Butaleja government prison. Today, I have again arrested another teacher in a government aided school over the same. We shall make sure they face the law,” Mr Bayole vowed.
