The High Court in Kampala has convicted and sentenced a 30-year-old security guard, Vincent Tumwesigye, to 18 years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to aggravated homosexuality involving a minor.
The conviction was handed down by the Criminal Division, Judge Isaac Muwata, on Thursday, following a plea bargain agreement entered at the commencement of the trial.
According to the prosecution led by Senior State Attorney, Timothy Amerit, the offences were committed during February 2024 at an apartment complex in Kyaliwajjala, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, where the accused was employed as a security guard.
The court heard that Tumwesigye repeatedly abused a six-year-old boy who lived at the same residence with his family.
The abuse came to light on March 2, 2024, when the child complained of severe pain while being bathed by his mother. Upon examination, she discovered injuries on his genital area.
The matter was reported to police on March 3, 2024, triggering investigations by officers at Kira Police Station. Medical examination findings later confirmed trauma, swelling, and bruising consistent with abuse.
The Prosecution further presented that the accused had, on multiple occasions, intimidated the child into silence through threats, including death threats and frightening claims intended to prevent disclosure of the abuse.
Tumwesigye initially denied the allegations and applied for bail during pre-trial proceedings, but the court declined his application.
However, at the hearing on April 23, 2026, Senior State Attorney Amerit informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with four witnesses.
However, before the trial could begin, the accused opted to enter into a plea bargain and admitted to the charge.
Upon confirming that the plea was voluntary and unequivocal, Judge Muwata convicted Tumwesigye and sentenced him to 18 years’ imprisonment in line with the agreed terms in the agreement.
The court noted that the plea bargain expedited the conclusion of the case and spared the minor the potential trauma of testifying in open court.