Authorities in Mukono are investigating a case of alleged defilement involving a teacher from Seeta Parents Primary School, who has reportedly gone into hiding after being accused of sexually abusing a 10-year-old pupil.
The suspect, identified as Moses Ssetumba Kusasira, is said to have been a Music and Drama teacher at the school located in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality.
According to preliminary information, several claims had been made against Ssetumba violating pupils over time, and the school administration allegedly ignored repeated complaints about his conduct.
The latest incident reportedly surfaced after a Primary Four pupil confided in a classmate that the teacher had molested and defiled her.
The matter came to light on October 11, 2025, when the friend disclosed the information to her parents during a school visit.
The victim’s mother immediately alerted the class teacher, while the father — whose identity has been withheld to protect the minor — lodged a formal complaint at Seeta Police Station.
Police subsequently opened a case of defilement under reference number SD/56/11/10/2025.
“My daughter was scared to speak out because the teacher kept threatening her,” the father said. “We trusted the school with our children, but they failed to protect them.”
Police sources suggest that this may not be the first such allegation against the suspect. It is alleged that previous complaints from pupils and parents were handled internally, with the administration reportedly opting to warn the teacher instead of reporting him.
Investigators also indicate that the suspect allegedly admitted to wrongdoing before fleeing. Despite this, the school is said to have allowed him to leave the premises instead of handing him over to police.
Mukono police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and a manhunt is underway.
“We are treating this case very seriously. The teacher disappeared shortly after the complaint was lodged, but we have useful leads on his whereabouts,” an officer said. “We caution schools against handling child-abuse complaints internally. All such cases must be reported to the police immediately.”
When contacted, head teacher Pulse Byasi initially denied knowledge of the matter, but later acknowledged receiving the report. He appealed to journalists not to publicise the case, arguing that doing so could harm the school’s reputation built over 31 years.
Child-rights advocates have condemned the reported handling of the matter, insisting that protecting children must take precedence over safeguarding institutional image. Meanwhile, police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
