The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Jinja City, Mr Salim Komakech, has directed police officers to stop granting police bond to suspects accused of defilement, saying the offence is too serious to warrant release before appearing in court.
Mr Komakech made the directive following complaints from residents and local leaders on Kisima I and Kisima II islands over rising cases of defilement, child abuse, and alleged abortion-related deaths.
Residents also reported the death of a pupil in an alleged abortion-related incident that they said was never officially reported to authorities.
He made the remarks during his maiden visit to the islands on Friday, where he inspected government projects and met residents to assess challenges facing the fishing communities.
‘Anyone accused of defilement should not be granted police bond. Their case files should be processed expeditiously and they should be produced before court without delay,’ Mr Komakech said.
He further directed that no suspect in defilement cases should be released on police bond without the knowledge of his office and guidance from the Resident State Attorney.
The RCC also expressed concern over allegations that some police officers were mishandling defilement cases by granting bond instead of ensuring suspects are prosecuted.
‘I have received reports that some officers are handling defilement cases unprofessionally by granting bond instead of ensuring suspects are produced before court. I will not tolerate such practices because defilement is a serious offence,’ he said.
Under Ugandan law, defilement attracts life imprisonment upon conviction, with penalties varying depending on the age of the victim, and mandatory protection provisions under the Penal Code Act.
Mr Peter Mutumba, the Secretary General of Kisima II Cell, said several defilement cases reported in the area had not been adequately followed up due to weak enforcement.
He noted that the island geography makes policing difficult, with suspects often fleeing to other landing sites to evade arrest.
Residents also raised concerns about child protection failures, including a case of an eight-year-old girl allegedly forced into domestic labour and suffering physical abuse under her caretaker.
‘We are concerned about how this child is being treated. She is frequently locked indoors and denied interaction with others,’ said Ms Rose Muduwa, a resident of Kisima I Island.
Following the complaint, Mr Komakech directed the Officer in Charge of Masese Police Post, Mr Tony Bongo, to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
Residents further called for the reinstatement of a police post on the islands, saying insecurity has increased since its removal.
Mr George Namurumba, a resident, said weak awareness of children’s rights and limited government presence had worsened abuse cases.
He urged stronger sensitisation and more frequent visits by education, health and community development officials to island communities.
Residents appealed for improved access to justice and stronger enforcement of child protection laws in the islands.
Police bond in Uganda
Police bond in Uganda is a discretionary release granted during investigations and may be denied in serious cases such as defilement where there is risk of interference with investigations or absconding, though suspects remain entitled to apply for bail in court.