KAMPALA, Uganda — Police in Uganda have arrested a boda boda rider in Wakiso District in connection with the alleged aggravated defilement of an eight-year-old girl, after a disturbing video of the incident circulated widely on social media.
The suspect, identified as Ssebagala Moses, 39, was apprehended following investigations into the April 16 incident in Mabombwe Village, Mende Sub-county.
According to Rachael Kawala, the arrest was prompted by public outrage and the viral spread of footage allegedly capturing the incident.
“Following a video circulating on social media showing a man allegedly defiling a female juvenile, Police in Wakiso have arrested the suspect seen in the footage. He is being held in connection with the aggravated defilement of an 8-year-old girl,” Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala, said in a Friday evening statement.
Police said the suspect is alleged to have lured the child and her sibling by offering them a phone to watch cartoons before committing the offence.
“It is alleged that the victim was outside with her sister when the suspect approached them. He gave the children a phone to watch cartoons and placed the victim on his lap, where he was allegedly seen defiling the 8-year-old,” the statement adds.
Authorities said the incident was discreetly recorded and later shared online, triggering swift action by law enforcement agencies.
The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.
SP Kawala condemned the incident, describing it as a serious violation of children’s rights and calling for heightened vigilance among caregivers.
“We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse. We urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely supervise their children at all times.”
Police reiterated their commitment to ensuring accountability in such cases.
“We remain committed to thoroughly investigating such acts and ensuring justice for victims,” Kawala emphasized.
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Authorities have also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse to enable timely intervention.
The case has renewed concerns over child safety in Uganda, where defilement remains one of the most commonly reported crimes.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, thousands of such cases are recorded each year, pointing to ongoing gaps in prevention, reporting, and enforcement.
Child protection experts say increased community awareness, parental supervision, and rapid law enforcement response are essential in addressing the problem.
They also warn that the growing circulation of sensitive content on social media raises ethical and legal concerns, particularly regarding the protection of victims’ dignity and privacy.
