Child abuser sentenced to 30 years imprisonment in Uganda
Summary:
Last month, a High Court in Uganda sentenced a man to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting nine-year-old Pearl*.
Pearl’s family welcomed the sentence, with her father thankful that, “The 30-year sentence will end when my child is an adult. The perpetrator will not have a chance to see my child again”.
IJM staff in Uganda provided critical legal and aftercare support to Pearl and her family. When asked by the judge who she wanted to sit with in court, Pearl chose her IJM aftercare workers.
The abuse happened in June last year. That night, Pearl and her sister were sound asleep in bed. Their father had stepped out of the house for a brief errand.
The perpetrator, who was a friend of their father, took advantage of his absence to sneak into the house and sexually assault Pearl.
Pearl was terrified and unsure what was happening. After assaulting Pearl, the man then tried to do the same to her sister. However, Pearl’s sister instantly raised the alarm, causing the perpetrator to run away.
Their father was on the way back when he saw the perpetrator fleeing from his house. Back home, his daughters told him what had happened.
He immediately reported the assault to the head of the local council and the police. Thanks to his quick action, the perpetrator was arrested and charged with sexual assault the next morning.
Despite the initial arrest, the case stopped processing through the criminal justice system. At this point, the police referred the case to IJM, to ensure that Pearl and her family received the justice they deserved.
The IJM team escalated the case to the regional Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and facilitated its scheduling for a High Court hearing.
Even though the perpetrator pleaded not guilty to the charges, the key evidence provided by Pearl’s father and supported by IJM meant he was found guilty.
Reflecting on this case, IJM’s Legal Coordinator Ms. Ruth Ongom observed that the presence of IJM’s aftercare team and a trauma-informed judge provided essential reassurance and comfort to Pearl.
Today, Pearl is continuing to receive therapy to help her heal from the abuse. When asked how she felt after the conviction, Pearl said "I feel so happy!"
Pearl and her sister will now grow up in safety, free from the fear of this abuser harming them ever again.
Learn more about IJM’s work stopping sexual violence against children >>
*Pseudonym. Image not representative of survivor.