By KT Reporter
The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has acquitted Julius Moses Chelimo, the Bukwo District Chairperson, of charges of aggravated defilement and aggravated child trafficking involving a 16-year-old schoolgirl.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, Duncan Gaswaga, the trial judge, held that the prosecution had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Chelimo committed the offences. Justice Gaswaga ruled that the evidence presented by the State, led by Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo, was insufficient to sustain a conviction.
The prosecution alleged that on October 21, 2022, Chelimo sexually assaulted the minor at his home in Cairo Village, Chepkwatsa Sub-county, Bukwo District. Court was told that the victim was allegedly trafficked to Chelimo’s residence by her uncle, Joshua Kwemoi, in exchange for money.
Kwemoi, a peasant from Chedtoror Village, and Felix Chelimo, a mason from Cairo Village, were jointly charged with Chelimo. Both co-accused pleaded guilty and were sentenced to six years’ imprisonment each. Chelimo, however, denied all charges. He was subjected to a full trial and remained on remand for a prolonged period.
In acquitting him, Justice Gaswaga accepted Chelimo’s defence that on the alleged date of the offence, he was undergoing mandatory COVID-19 quarantine at Kipsiro Hill Top Resort Hotel in Bukwo District. The Court relied on corroborated testimony from the hotel manager and a medical doctor, who both confirmed Chelimo’s presence at the facility at the material time.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has announced plans to challenge the ruling. The Deputy Public Relations Officer, Irene Nakimbugwe, said the prosecution was dissatisfied with the decision, describing it as illogical for the alleged principal offender to be acquitted while his co-accused admitted guilt and were convicted.
Despite the acquittal in this case, Chelimo remains in custody as he faces other related charges before a different court. Court records indicate that Chelimo, while serving as LCV Chairperson of Bukwo District, was engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student of Sebei College Tegeres.
The prosecution alleged that Chelimo enticed the minor with material support, causing her to abandon school and disappear from her parents. It was further alleged that Chelimo moved the girl across various locations within Bukwo District, where he repeatedly engaged in sexual intercourse with her.
After the victim reportedly returned home and disclosed the abuse, Chelimo was accused of harbouring her in Budaka District to prevent her from reuniting with her family. Chelimo dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
In 2024, Justice Alice Komuhangi upheld the charges at the pre-trial stage, ruling that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to proceed. Justice Komuhangi cited the victim’s birth certificate and supporting documentation, which showed she was underage at the time of the alleged offences.
According to the evidence, the victim was born on September 29, 2006, making her 15 years old in 2021 and 16 years old in 2022.
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