Police in Bushenyi District have apprehended two individuals on charges of aggravated human trafficking and sodomizing a 20-year-old man. The spokesperson for Greater Bushenyi police, Marcial Tumusiime, identified the suspects as a retired catechist from Kigunda Cell in Mitoma District’s Kanyabwanga Sub County and a resident of Karubuga B Village, Kainamo Parish, Ibaare Sub County in Bushenyi District.
The victim, identified as 20-year-old mechanic Derrick Atwijukire, resides in Kigunda Cell, Kati Parish, Kanyabwanga Sub County, Mitoma District. The incident took place on May 30, 2023, at Karubuga B Village in Bushenyi District, according to Tumusiime.
Police have provided details on the alleged events leading up to the incident. On May 12, 2023, during his grandmother’s burial in Mitoma District, the victim was approached by the retired catechist, who was a close friend of his mother, Juliet Kyarisimira.
“It is reported that on May 12, 2023, the victim was at his grandmother’s burial in Mitoma District when he was approached by the retired catechist who was a good friend to his mother Juliet Kyarisimira,” Tumusiime said.
The two had an interaction, and the suspect, aware of the victim’s skills in mechanics and driving, promised to find him a job.
According to the police, the catechist and Kyarisimira exchanged contact information. On May 29, 2023, at 9:00 PM, the retired catechist called the victim, informing him that they needed to discuss the job offer.
On March 30, at around 2:00 PM, the suspect and victim met at Kati High School in Mitoma District. The catechist then gave Atwijukire a ride on his motorcycle to the suspect’s residence in Bushenyi.
The three had dinner together, and later, around 10:30 PM, Atwijukire prepared a large bed for them to sleep on. However, during the night, both suspects allegedly engaged in inappropriate activities, including kissing, rubbing the victim’s genitals, and attempting to engage in sexual acts, despite the victim’s resistance.
After the incident, the suspects offered Atwijukire a sum of Shs5,000 and instructed him not to report the incident. The following morning, while being transported back to Mitooma District, the victim persuaded the suspects to stop at Mitooma Central Police Station. Upon arrival, the retired catechist attempted to flee but was apprehended when the victim raised an alarm.
This case emerges just days after President Museveni signed the Anti Homosexuality Act 2023, which proposes severe penalties for offenders involved in homosexual activities.