The Kisoro District National Resistance Movement Vice Chairperson Ramathan Ndikuyezi has been denied bail and further remanded to Ndorwa Prison on charges of aggravated child trafficking.
Ndikuyezi was arrested in July for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl in April. It is alleged that during the COVID-19 lockdown, the victim approached Ndikuyeze asking to work as an attendant at one of his pump fuel stations in Kisoro municipality. Ndikuyeze instead promised the teenager a job as an estates manager of his property but on the condition that he falls in love with him.
Upon realizing that she was pregnant, the teenager informed Ndikuyeze who helped to secure a job for her a job as a housemaid in Buziga, Makindye Division, Kampala. He allegedly helped the victim to terminate the pregnancy.
The victim developed complications during the abortion and was rushed to Quantum Medical Facility, which referred her to Nsambya Hospital for better treatment after it was discovered that the fetus was still stuck in her womb. The incident triggered anger in Kisoro district when the teen’s father lodged a complaint at Kisoro Police Station.
Detectives from the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Department at the Criminal Investigations Directorate-CID in Kibuli picked Ndikuzeye from his office in July. He was briefly held at Kisoro police station before he was whisked to Kampala. He was however released before reaching Kibuli for questioning.
Early this month, he was arrested and appeared in court on charges of aggravated child trafficking.
On Tuesday, the victim’s lawyers asked the court to adjourn the case arguing that the file was taken by top officials of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Kampala. He also argued that the victim is not yet ready to give testimony because she is still undergoing psychosocial support.
They also argued that the police are also finalizing inquiries and the state needs to first disclose evidence to the accused. But, Ndikuyezi’s lawyer Rebecca Ayesiga from Beitwenda asked the court to allow them to file a bail application on grounds that his right to bail is being infringed on.
Ayesiga also argued that the victim being on psychosocial support does not justify the reason for denying Ndikuyezi bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Derrick Byamugisha however declined to consider Ayesiga’s arguments and denied the bail application. Byamugisha adjourned the case to October 25.
