By Mike Rwothomio

A disturbing case of aggravated defilement has sparked uproar in  Padolo Central Village, Padolo Parish, Erussi Subcounty, Nebbi District, following the arrest of a 35-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting his own daughter.

The suspect, identified as Jakuma Gilbert 35, was apprehended on August 9, 2025, after allegedly being caught in the act by a witness.

According to police statement issued by the West Nile regional police spokesperson SP Jimmy Anguyo Baiga,   the incident occurred around 1:00 PM on August 9, 2025, at a residence shared by the  14- year old victim, from a primary school within Erussi Sub County and another individual, who  reportedly entered the house to retrieve clothes for washing , when she discovered Jakuma Gilbert engaged in sexual intercourse with his daughter on a bed.

Alarmed, the lady alerted Kayeny Justine, who witnessed Jakuma attempting to flee the scene.

"they got Jakuma tip toeing coming out of the house , The information later got circulated, and the uncle of the victim directed that let the father (suspect) be arrested and brought back home. The father was arrested and brought at Anywanda stage where the community wanted to lynch him, and due to the alarm, he was rescued and taken to Erussi Police Station " SP Anguyo said.

The incident sparked outrage in the community, with residents nearly lynching the suspect at Anywanda stage after his arrest by locals, prompted by the victim’s uncle. 

Quick intervention by authorities prevented mob justice, and Jakuma was taken into custody at Erussi Police Station before being transferred to Nebbi Police Station for further investigation.

Police said  On August 10, 2025, a team led by AIP Ojok Victor Canpara, alongside the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO), visited the crime scene, where it was examined, processed, and documented. 

Statements were recorded from relevant witnesses, and the victim was brought to Nebbi Police Station for a pending medical examination on Police Form 3A (PF3A). 

One witness statement has been secured, with further inquiries ongoing to build a case for prosecution.The case, registered under SD 09/09/08/2025 at Erussi Police Station, has been classified as aggravated defilement. 

Police are preparing additional documentation, including PF16 and 16A, to support the prosecution of the suspect, who remains in custody.

SP Anguyo, emphasized that investigations are ongoing to ensure justice is served in this heinous crime.

SP Jimmy Anguyo Baiga, the West Nile regional police spokesperson confirmed the incident in a statement.

The 2024 Uganda Police Annual Crime Report, released on February 19, 2025, highlights defilement as a major sex-related crime in Uganda, with 12,312 cases reported, a 3.4% decrease from 12,818 in 2023.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer africa your grassroot informations