KAMPALA, Uganda — A 43-year-old teacher at Kabojja Junior School was charged Friday with attempted aggravated homosexuality and remanded to Luzira Prison, accused of attempting to sodomize an 11-year-old pupil during a school trip.
Godfrey Muwumuza, a resident of Gayaza-Kasangati in Wakiso district, appeared before the Buganda Chief Magistrate’s Court. He was formally charged under section 3 (3) of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023.
The offense carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment due to aggravated factors, including the victim’s age and Muwumuza’s position of authority at the school.
Muwumuza denied the charges.
Lead prosecutor Ivan Kyazze told the court that investigations were ongoing. Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi informed Muwumuza of his right to apply for bail and asked if he had any sureties present. Muwumuza replied, “I do not have any sureties at the moment.” Kayizzi then remanded him until May 19 for a bail application hearing.
According to court documents, the alleged incidents occurred on May 4 and 5 as pupils returned from a school trip to western Uganda.
Prosecutors allege that Muwumuza, who was supervising the trip, asked the boy for help with a flashlight. As the boy handed it over, Muwumuza allegedly grabbed his hand and forced it toward his genitals. Another pupil reportedly interrupted the incident before the teacher could complete his alleged intent.
Prosecutors further allege that later, on the school bus, Muwumuza resumed the inappropriate behavior. He allegedly sat next to the same boy and again grabbed his hand in an attempt to force contact with his private parts.
The pupil reportedly changed seats, but Muwumuza allegedly followed him and continued the behavior. Feeling unsafe, the pupil used his cell phone to send a WhatsApp message to his mother, detailing the incidents.
The pupil’s mother reported the matter to the police, leading to Muwumuza’s arrest.
