Buyende Police Arrest Duo Over Minor's Traditional Marriage

Buyende, Uganda – Police in Buyende District have arrested a 23-year-old man and a local council chairman for their alleged involvement in the defilement of a 17-year-old juvenile and compounding a felony, respectively. The suspects, identified as Mugeere Wycliff of Namalogwe Village and Mutaka Moses, the LC I Chairman of Bukyaala Village, were taken into custody following the circulation of a viral social media clip showing a traditional marriage ceremony involving the victim and the suspects.

According to preliminary investigations, on March 2, 2025, Mutaka Moses, who is also the father of the victim, hosted a traditional marriage ceremony at his home in Nkoone Parish, Irundu Sub-county. During the ceremony, Mugeere Wycliff was allegedly married to the underage girl, who is 17 years old. The two have reportedly been living together as husband and wife since the event.

The arrest was prompted by public outrage after the video of the ceremony went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation. Authorities acted swiftly to apprehend the suspects, with Mugeere facing charges of defilement and Mutaka accused of compounding a felony for facilitating the illegal union.

ASP Kasadha Micheal, the Regional Police Spokesperson for Busoga North, confirmed the arrests and emphasized the police's commitment to protecting minors and ensuring justice is served. "We will not tolerate any form of exploitation or abuse of children. The law is clear, and those found culpable will face the full force of the law," he stated.

The case has sparked a broader conversation about child protection and the need for community vigilance to prevent such incidents. Police have urged the public to report any cases of child abuse or exploitation to the authorities.

The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue. The victim has been taken to a safe location and is receiving necessary support.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights of children and upholding the law to ensure their protection from harm.