The North Kyoga Territorial Police have urged the community to assist in the investigations and prosecutions of defilement cases.
A police report indicates that out of 190 defilement cases recorded between May and July, only 5 have led to convictions.
This low conviction rate is attributed to various challenges, including insufficient cooperation from complainants and witnesses, limited resources, and delays in reporting incidents.
SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the Public Relations Officer for North Kyoga Police, emphasized the obstacles encountered by law enforcement. “Individuals report defilement cases but often withdraw immediately after receiving the case reference. It appears that some individuals seek case references only to return home and engage in negotiations, which complicates matters significantly. When a complainant either returns to the police or fails to do so, it becomes increasingly difficult for us to conduct thorough investigations and ensure that justice is served.”
From May to July, 190 defilement cases were documented. Of these, 124 remain under investigation, 56 have been forwarded to court, and only 5 have resulted in convictions. SP Okema also noted the lack of support from complainants during investigations, as their commitment often diminishes, potentially due to familial pressure.
Another major challenge is the absence of a police surgeon in the area, which delays the timely completion of essential medical documentation.
“Our leaders at the strategic level are already aware of these challenges, and we are optimistic that the appointment of a police surgeon will facilitate quicker medical reporting,” SP Okema concluded.
