A 39-year-old boda boda rider has been arrested by police in Wakiso District following the circulation of a disturbing video on social media that allegedly shows him defiling an 8-year-old girl.
The suspect, identified as Ssebagala Moses, was apprehended on Friday after members of the public raised an alarm over the graphic footage linked to an incident that occurred on April 16 in Mabombwe Village, Mende Sub-county.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) spokesperson Rachael Kawala, the suspect allegedly lured the victim and her sister by offering them a phone to watch cartoons before committing the offence.
“Following a video circulating on social media showing a man allegedly defiling a female juvenile, Police in Wakiso have arrested the suspect seen in the footage. He is being held in connection with the aggravated defilement of an 8-year-old girl,” Ms Kawala said in a statement issued on Friday evening.
The statement detailed how the suspect approached the two children while they were playing outside. He reportedly gave them a phone to watch cartoons and then placed the 8-year-old on his lap, where he allegedly defiled her. The act was discreetly recorded and later shared online, sparking widespread outrage and prompting immediate police action.
Ssebagala Moses is currently in police custody and is expected to be produced in court as investigations continue.
Ms Kawala strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a grave violation of children’s rights.
“We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse. We urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely supervise their children at all times,” she said.
Police have reaffirmed their commitment to thoroughly investigating the case and ensuring justice for the victim.
“We remain committed to thoroughly investigating such acts and ensuring justice for victims,” Kawala emphasized.
Authorities have also called on the public to report any suspected cases of child abuse to enable timely intervention.
The case has reignited serious concerns about child safety and the vulnerability of minors to sexual abuse, particularly in communities where supervision may be limited.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, defilement remains one of the most frequently reported offences against children in the country, with thousands of cases recorded annually. This highlights ongoing challenges and gaps in child protection systems.
Experts stress that increased community vigilance, stricter parental supervision, and a swift law enforcement response are essential in curbing such heinous crimes.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for stronger measures to protect Uganda’s children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
