Soroti High Court has sentenced 33-year-old William Opolot to 32 years in prison for the aggravated defilement of a five-year-old girl. The conviction stems from an incident on May 4, 2019, when Opolot, a married father of four from Akum village in Amuria District, was accused of sexually assaulting the young girl.
Testimony from key witnesses, including the victim’s mother, Jenifer Akulo, was central to the court’s decision. Akulo recounted the distressing day, saying she left her daughter at home to visit a relative and, upon returning, discovered her child missing.
“In a frantic search, I found my daughter emerging from Opolot’s grass-thatched house, visibly shaken and carrying her panties, which bore sperm stains,” Akulo said. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Opolot denied the allegations. Judge Boniface Wamala found him guilty, noting the corroborative medical report that revealed severe damage and bleeding to the victim’s private parts.
Prosecutor Rachel Namaasi urged the court to impose a 50-year sentence, emphasizing the trauma inflicted on the child. “The victim is now grappling with mental illness as a direct result of this heinous act,” Namaasi stated, calling for a sentence that reflects the gravity of the crime.
Opolot’s defense pleaded for leniency, citing his status as a family man with four children. The court’s ruling underscores a broader societal stance against sexual violence, particularly against children, and serves as a warning to potential offenders.
The case has sparked reactions from community members and child rights activists, many of whom expressed relief at the conviction while calling for heightened awareness and preventive measures to protect vulnerable children.As Uganda continues to address issues of sexual violence and child protection, the sentence imposed on Opolot stands as a significant step toward justice for survivors and a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard children from harm.
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