SOROTI: The High Court in Soroti has sentenced a 28-year-old Samuel Apoo to 30 years in prison for defiling a 13-year-old girl.
The verdict, delivered by Justice Boniface Wamala, underscores the court’s firm stance against the rising cases of child sexual abuse in the region.
The court heard that the crime occurred on September 18, 2019, in Agweny village, Kaberemaido district.
According to the prosecution, Samuel Apoo exploited the vulnerability of the young girl, who was at home caring for her younger siblings while her parents attended a clan meeting.
The testimony presented in court detailed how Apoo, who resided in the same neighborhood, approached the minor, forcibly took her by the hand, and dragged her into a nearby bush where he subjected her to the brutal act of defilement.
Disturbing medical evidence presented to the court corroborated the victim’s account, revealing that the forceful penetration resulted in ruptured and injured private parts.
The young survivor bravely recounted to the court how Apoo threatened her with death if she disclosed the assault.
However, the severe physical pain she endured following the attack alerted her mother, leading to the exposure of Apoo’s crime.
In his ruling, Justice Wamala expressed deep concern over the prevalence of defilement cases and emphasized the necessity of imposing stringent punishments to deter potential offenders.
He stated that such sentences serve as a deterrent to other offenders.
During the proceedings, Apoo pleaded for leniency, citing his responsibility as a father to four children. He attributed his actions to being overcome by “lust.”
However, State Prosecutor Rebeca Namatala argued vehemently for the maximum possible punishment, asserting that the gravity of the offense warranted a severe penalty.
