Justice Nakintu remarked on the broader societal issues, stating, “Harmful cultural practices often contribute to these offenses, and some perpetrators do not realize they are committing a crime.”
The High Court in Masaka has sentenced 78-year-old witchdoctor Kassim Katongole to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing his 13-year-old daughter. The ruling was delivered by Justice Victoria Nakintu during a special court session addressing sexual and gender-based violence.
Katongole, a resident of Lwamagwa in Rakai District, was found guilty of defilement and of treating his daughter as his wife in 2020. The case has drawn widespread attention due to Katongole’s status as a traditional healer, a position that had earned him trust in the community.
Justice Nakintu remarked on the broader societal issues, stating, “Harmful cultural practices often contribute to these offenses, and some perpetrators do not realize they are committing a crime.”
In a separate case during the same session, Bonny Bukenya pleaded guilty to defiling his 14-year-old stepdaughter and infecting her with HIV. According to prosecutors, the abuse began after Bukenya married the girl’s mother and was only uncovered when she was sent to her grandmother, who noticed her HIV infection.
Both cases were supported by the Okoa Children and Women’s Rights Organization, which works to protect abused children and women across Uganda.
Justice Nakintu called on parents, communities, and authorities to work together to safeguard children and to challenge harmful cultural practices that threaten their well-being.
