Father arrested attempting to sell off own 9-year-old daughter, claims he was too broke to take care of family

Police in Bugiri district have arrested a 34 year old man after he was caught red-handed trying to sell off his nine-year-old daughter to a witch doctor for suspected ritual sacrifice.

The suspect has been identified as Menculam Ajalu, a resident of Naluwerere trading center in Kapyanga Sub County in Bugiri district.

Ajalu, who has since confessed to the crime, told police that he was going to selloff his daughter at Shillings 6 million.  

The suspect says that he had run out of funds to cater for his child’s wellbeing and decided to give her away to someone who would better fend for her.

“We have gone several days without food and only survive at the mercy of well-wishers who at times give us free food. I just got fed up with this situation and had since resolved to hand over my daughter to a family, which would better cater for her necessities,” he said.  

Ajalu was picked up on a tipoff from community members who alerted police on his plan to sell off his child for unspecified reasons. 

“Police through the cooperation of the public, received information and we organized one of our officers who masqueraded as a potential buyer at Bukonde swamp along Malaba-Tororo highway, where Ajalu has

According to James Mubi the Busoga East police spokesperson, detectives are recording statements from eyewitnesses.

The suspect faces charges of child trafficking. Meanwhile, Mubi says the witchdoctor managed to escape from the scene of crime, adding that efforts are underway to track him down.