Authorities have preferred charges of defilement and procuring defilement against the suspects, pending sanction by the Resident State Attorney.
Police in Kiboga District have arrested eight individuals after foiling an attempted child marriage involving a 16-year-old Senior Three student of Bukomero Secondary School.
The operation, described as intelligence-led, was carried out in Kagoga village, Kyomya sub-county, where authorities found preparations underway for a traditional “giveaway” ceremony. Dowry items, including sugar, soap, rice, meat, gomesi, and kanzus, had already been assembled at the scene.
According to Wamala regional police spokesperson Lameck Kigozi, the girl—born on December 6, 2010—was confirmed to be underage at the time of the planned marriage.
Police arrested the girl’s parents, along with relatives and members of the groom’s family. All suspects are currently detained at Kiboga Central Police Station.
Authorities have preferred charges of defilement and procuring defilement against the suspects, pending sanction by the Resident State Attorney.
Police have reiterated a warning to parents and guardians that the legal age for marriage in Uganda is 18 years, emphasizing that anyone involved in arranging or facilitating child marriages risks prosecution.
The girl has since been placed under protection as investigations continue.
