A teacher from Kabojja Junior School faces prison time after court officials charged him with attempted homosexuality against an 11-year-old student. Police arrested Godfrey Muwumuza, 43, because he allegedly made a boy touch his private parts during a May school trip. The child texted his mother about the incident, which led to a police report. Court records say another student interrupted the first incident, but Muwumuza tried again later on the bus.
The teacher denied these claims when he appeared before the Buganda Road court. Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi sent him to Luzira Prison until May 19 as police finish their work. Uganda law punishes attempts at homosexuality with up to 14 years behind bars. The law also makes false accusations a crime that can result in jail time. Anyone who lies about such acts can spend one year in prison if the courts prove bad intent.
Police data shows over 12,000 child abuse cases happened last year in Uganda. About 309 boys suffered abuse, with teachers among the main offenders after parents. Parliament members ordered an investigation into reports of sexual misconduct in schools. Past research found that this problem has existed in Ugandan schools for many years, with students sometimes trading sexual acts for gifts from adults.
The teacher denied these claims when he appeared before the Buganda Road court. Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi sent him to Luzira Prison until May 19 as police finish their work. Uganda law punishes attempts at homosexuality with up to 14 years behind bars. The law also makes false accusations a crime that can result in jail time. Anyone who lies about such acts can spend one year in prison if the courts prove bad intent.
Police data shows over 12,000 child abuse cases happened last year in Uganda. About 309 boys suffered abuse, with teachers among the main offenders after parents. Parliament members ordered an investigation into reports of sexual misconduct in schools. Past research found that this problem has existed in Ugandan schools for many years, with students sometimes trading sexual acts for gifts from adults.
