After a joint security operation conducted a week ago in which 154 people were rescued, police has come out to update the nation on the progress of investigations.
Speaking to the press on Monday at the Media Center, deputy police publicist Patrick Onyango said that sgirls were found to be at various stages of pregnancy.
“Sadly, eleven of the girls of age bracket 13 to 15 years of age have complained and it has been confirmed that they were defiled by some of the suspects,” he said.
Below is the full unedited statement
The Uganda Police Force and other Sister Security Agencies would like to update the public on progress made since the operation of 28 April 2018 at Usafi mosque and other areas of interest as follows:
When Police and other security agencies conducted the operation at Usafi mosque, initially the focus was to pursue suspects in the kidnap and murder of late Susan Magara but it is now beyond that.During the course of interviewing the arrested suspects as well as the rescued Women and Children from the mosque, the investigations have now been widened.
They now include but not limited to kidnap with intent to demand ransom, murder, defilement, human trafficking, sexual violence and others. Some of the suspects now in custody have participated in defiling some of these rescued children, trafficked and sexually violated others.
The investigations so far are going on well and all the leads are bearing tremendous revelations in support of the investigations. Investigating officers have recorded statements from both the suspects and witnesses that are collaborated.
The various Investigating teams have been led to several scenes where plans to murder late Ms Magara were planned and later executed.
Several exhibits have been recovered from scenes are not mentioned in the interest of the ongoing investigations.
As security forces,we are aware of the 48 hour rule that suspects should be taken to court within that period.The demands of the investigations were such that it could not happen so, but we are working around the clock to ensure that factors remaining equal, the suspects appear in court by the end of this week.
You will recall also that when the security forces entered Usafi Mosque, over 154 were rescued from captivity of these 28 are women, 63 girls and 63 boys. Their ages range from Days to 50+ years. Among the women, are three (03) Burundians who have refused to talk to the investigators.
The medical experts have carried out examinations on them and found some to be very sick, and these are currently receiving treatment at medical centres.
Seven girls were found to be at various stages of pregnancy. Sadly, eleven of the girls of age bracket 13 to 15 years of age have complained and it has been confirmed that they were defiled by some of the suspects.
The Uganda Police Force is now looking for the parents of these innocent children to reunite them with their families.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development with the Social workers are in the meantime doing a commendable job of counseling them of this horrific trauma.
Finally the security agencies wish to reiterate and assure the public of their commitment to keep law and order in the country .There is no victimization of any persons on account of their faiths as claimed.
The arrested suspects take individual responsibility and will answer for their actions.
