OYAM, UGANDA — Police in Oyam District have arrested a 23-year-old man, Okwir Isaac, for the aggravated defilement of his own biological daughter, a toddler aged just one year and five months.
The shocking incident occurred on November 2, 2026, in Abuli village, Ocini parish, Kamdini Sub-County, Oyam District.
According to a press statement released by SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, Public Relations Officer for North Kyoga and Acting PRO for Aswa West and Aswa East Regions, the matter was reported to police by Ngole Joe, the Chairman LC I of Abuli village.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Adong Kevin and Okwir Isaac are the biological parents of the victim. On the fateful day at around midday, Okwir picked the child from the mother and moved with her to the trading center, leaving the mother at home. However, he delayed returning with the child.
By approximately 7:00 PM, the victim's mother began searching for the whereabouts of both the child and the father. When she could not find them, she reported the matter to the area LC I chairman, who mobilized residents to help search for the suspect and the victim.
At around midnight, the suspect emerged from his hideout but without the child. When questioned, he claimed he had returned the child home but didn't find the mother, so he placed the child in the house and left. His explanation was not convincing, and community members became violent towards him, though he revealed nothing.
The LC I chairman escorted him to police, where he was charged with the disappearance of the victim and detained at approximately 1:27 AM.
The following morning, November 3, 2026, at around 8:00 AM, the chairman called and reported that the victim had been recovered in the bush but had been sexually abused. She was immediately rushed to Atapara Hospital and admitted for further medical attention.
A case of aggravated defilement was registered at Oyam Central Police Station. The scene of crime was visited by a team led by the OC of Kamdini Sub-County Police Station and documented by the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) from Kamdini.
Police have recorded statements from witnesses, arrested and detained the suspect, and recovered a blood-stained shirt that the suspect was wearing. The suspect was escorted to Kamdini Health Center III for swabs and blood sample collection, which have been submitted to the Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) for analysis and examination. He was also examined on PF24A.
SP Okema described the incident as "really very unfortunate and unbelievable" and pledged the police's commitment to investigating the matter to its logical conclusion.
"Once investigation is complete, the file will be compiled and submitted to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal guidance on the charge of aggravated defilement," Okema stated.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
