Justice for a nine-year-old girl in Uganda
Summary:
A High Court in Uganda recently sentenced a man to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting Devine* when she was just five years old.
IJM staff in Uganda supported the police investigation and provided vital aftercare to Devine and her family throughout the legal process.
“IJM coordinated effectively with the shelter where the survivor is receiving psychosocial support to ensure that she safely attended court, and that her parents were also available at court,” shared Lucky Agweng, IJM Legal Coordinator.
9th October is Independence Day in Uganda. But for the past four years, Devine and her family have marked this day with mixed feelings.
On 9th October 2021, a man from Devine’s community broke into her home to steal a solar panel and battery. During the burglary, he also sexually assaulted Devine – leaving her with serious injuries.
The following morning, shoe prints at the scene led the shocked family directly to the perpetrator’s doorstep.
The crime was immediately reported to the local council chairperson, who involved the police. The man was detained that same day. The Community Development Officer referred the case to IJM for support.
The perpetrator was charged and remanded in prison. Despite the initial charge, the case was delayed due to challenges, including limited resources.
IJM helped ensure the case made it to the Gulu High Court, where the perpetrator was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison, giving Devine and her family the justice they deserved.
Today, IJM’s social worker team, alongside partners, continues to support Devine on her journey towards healing. Following the assault, she was hospitalised and underwent several surgeries.
Devine will now grow up free from the fear of this abuser ever harming her again.
Devine’s story is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect children from sexual violence. By becoming a Freedom Partner, you can help IJM bring children to safety and support them to get justice, including in places like Bangladesh where we’ve just launched a new office to combat child sex trafficking.
*Pseudonym. Image not representative of perpetrator.