MBARARA –The High Court sitting in Bushenyi District has sentenced a 46-year-old Anglican priest to 28 years in prison for defiling a 12-year-old girl.
Justice Joyce Kavuma on Wednesday found Rev Gordon Muhwezi, a resident of Nyakishojwa Central Cell, Nyakishojwa Parish in Mitooma District, guilty of defiling the girl, back in May 2021.
Court heard that the convict committed the offence while he was deployed at Nyarutuntu Church.
“This court has found that Rev. Muhwezi has no past criminal record. But also the court has a mandate to protect these young girls. The court has to give Rev. Muhwezi a heavy sentence to keep him away from the society and I found a 28-year jail sentence very appropriate for the convict….,” said Lady Justice Kavuma.
However, Rev. Muhwezi asked court to produce the victim in court and have her testify against him.
“This court should repeat the process and bring the girl (whom you allege) that I defiled to testify against me. Secondly this court, should give a small sentence, and a small fine so that I pay and go back home, to look after my family,” said Muhwezi.
The same court also sentenced Fred Muguta, 60, and resident of Bugango LCI, Kabingo Parish, Kyamuhunga Sub-county in Bushenyi District, to 90 years in prison for aggravated defilement. He was found guilty of defiling three children aged four, three and two years in 2017.
“I have considered all the factors but also the cases of defilement are rampant in this region and I found that 30 years’ jail sentence on each of the account is appropriate for you but you will serve them concurrently,” ruled Justice Kavuma.
Fourteen others were also handed varying jail terms for defilement and rape at the same court, which is set to try cases of gender-based sexual violence in Greater Bushenyi region for 45 days.
