Kampala – The International Crimes Division of the High Court has convicted Bishop Nkurunziza Fiarce of 14 counts of Aggravated Trafficking in Children and 1 count of Operating an Unapproved Children’s Home.
The Office of the DPP sanctioned a case against Bishop Nkurunziza Fiarce, Ndora Charles, Byukusenge Valens and Rev. Nsimiyemana John of Tukyuuke International Ministries in Nansana Kabumbi, Wakiso District to the effect that the three conspired and deceived parents and guardians of various children from different parts of western Uganda, to give them their children to educate.
The accused persons including Bishop Nkurunziza took the children to a home in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District and kept them there for a while without a license to run a children’s home. The children were not attending school during the time they spent in Nansana. The accused persons instead took pictures of the children and used them to solicit for funds abroad.
After receiving intelligence about the scheme, the police raided the home and rescued the children on 19th November 2019. The children were placed in a shelter to receive support services.
The accused were indicted with 14 counts of Aggravated Trafficking in Children, and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony. In addition, Bishop Nkurunziza Fiarce was indicted for Operating an Unapproved Children’s Home.
Today, Bishop Nkurunziza Fiarce entered a plea bargain agreement with the State and was convicted. He was sentenced by Justice Andrew Bashaija to 8 years and 8 days imprisonment in respect of each count of Aggravated Trafficking in Children, and 3 years and 7 months in respect of Operating an Unapproved Children’s Home, as agreed. The sentences are to run concurrently.
This case was successfully prosecuted by Jacquelyn Okui, a Senior State Attorney in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
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