Uganda : Police Inspector Dismissed for Allegedly Defiling Toddler, Faces Criminal Trial

Thomas Otim, a 49-year-old Inspector of Police (IP), has been relieved of his duties within the police force on allegations of sexually assaulting a 21-month-old toddler. The incident purportedly occurred three weeks ago when Otim, stationed at the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) in West Nile’s Arua Central police station, reportedly lured the toddler, the daughter of his neighbor, Dr. Charles Madrama, into his room and abused her.

Following a forensic examination confirming the defilement, detectives found Otim’s fingerprints and other evidence linked to the incident on the child.

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Despite his previous release due to purported lack of evidence, Otim is now set to face a full criminal trial as a civilian for aggravated defilement. This development is quite ironic given Otim’s position within the police force and his responsibility as the head of the PSU, tasked with investigating officers’ misconduct.

Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, strongly condemned Otim’s actions, affirming the force’s commitment to combatting child sexual exploitation and abuse. Enanga expressed dismay at the misuse of authority by an officer who should have been protecting the juvenile.

In a separate incident, Police Constable Masudi Byekwaso faces arrest on corruption allegations related to a defilement case. Byekwaso allegedly received a sum of Shs 1.8 million to manipulate the handling of the case against Ronald Oneka, who was accused of defiling a 14-year-old girl. Byekwaso’s suspicious actions led to the release of Oneka without proper protocol, prompting an outcry on social media.

Following Byekwaso’s arrest, efforts are now underway to apprehend Oneka and his father, Moi, as crucial case files and relevant documents went missing, complicating the investigation process.

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These incidents involving police officers underscore ongoing challenges within the force, as every year, more than 50 officers face investigations related to misconduct, corruption, shootings, assaults, and bribery. The PSU, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Sarah Kibwika, continues to address these internal issues within the police force.