The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Bugiri, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A man in Bugiri district is in trouble after being arrested red-handed trying to sell off his nine-year-old daughter to a witch doctor for suspected ritual sacrifice.
The suspect is 34 year old Menculam Ajalu, a resident of Naluwerere trading center in Kapyanga sub county in Bugiri district. Ajalu who has since confessed to the crime, informed police that he was going to sell off his daughter at Shillings 6 million.
The suspect says that he had run out of funds to cater for his child’s wellbeing and decided to give her away to someone who would better fend for her. “We have gone several days without food and only survive at the mercy of well-wishers who at times give us free food. I just got fed up with this situation and had since resolved to hand over my daughter to a family, which would better cater for her necessities,” he said.
A detective who spoke on condition of anonymity said Ajalu was picked up on a tipoff from community members who alerted police on his plan to sell off his child for unspecified reasons.
“Police through the cooperation of the public, received information and we organized one of our officers who masqueraded as a potential buyer at Bukonde swamp along Malaba-Tororo highway, where Ajalu was arrested in the company of his daughter,” he said.
James Mubi, the Busoga East police spokesperson told URN that detectives were recording statements from eyewitnesses. He says the suspect faces charges of child trafficking. Mubi further reveals that the witchdoctor whose identities have been withheld managed to escape from the scene of crime, adding that efforts are underway to track him down.
*****
URN
