Eight Arrested as Police Foil Child Marriage of 16-year-old Girl in Kiboga

Police in Kiboga District are holding eight suspects arrested during a ceremony in which a 16-year-old girl was being married off in Kagoga Village, Kyomya Sub-county.

According to the Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, SSP Lameck Kigozi, the suspects were apprehended at a function organised to marry off the Senior Three student of Bukomero Secondary School.

A birth document obtained from an informant indicates that the girl was born on December 6, 2010, confirming that she is 16 years old.

Police recovered several items believed to have been presented as dowry, including sugar, soap, rice, meat, three gomesi and two kanzus, among others.

Kigozi identified the suspects as Kiyingi Yunus (father of the girl), Luwedde Robina (mother), Namubiru Allen (aunt), Kawuki Mathias (the groom), Sande Walulya David (father of the groom), Kafeero Jacob and Tusibira Esther (mother of the groom). The minor has also been placed under protection.

Kigozi clarified that the victim has been listed among the suspects and will assist investigations as a state witness. If the State Attorney deems it appropriate, she could face possible charges such as being an accessory before the fact or failing to provide information.

He added that any charges would be at the discretion of the Resident State Attorney (RSA), since the minimum age of criminal responsibility in Uganda is 12 years.

The suspects are currently detained at Kiboga Central Police Station on charges of defilement and procuring defilement.

Kigozi cautioned parents and guardians against marrying off minors, emphasising that the legal age for marriage in Uganda is 18 years.

Under the Children (Amendment) Act, 2016, any person found guilty of subjecting a child to harmful customary practices, including child marriage, is liable to a prison sentence of up to seven years, a fine, or both.

He added that because child marriage involves sexual activity with a minor, offenders may also face charges of defilement or aggravated defilement under the Penal Code Act, offences that carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment upon conviction.

Meanwhile, the proposed Marriage Bill, 2024, currently under consideration, seeks to increase penalties for marrying off minors to up to 10 years in prison.