By Norbert Mao
What began as a desperate search for a missing toddler in Oyam District ended in a disturbing discovery after a one-year-and-five-month-old girl was found in a nearby bush with signs of sexual abuse.
Police have arrested the child’s 23-year-old biological father, identified as Okwir Isaac, in connection with the alleged aggravated defilement.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police, the incident happened on November 2nd, in Abuli Village, Ocini Parish, Kamdini Sub-county.
Police preliminary investigations indicate that Okwir allegedly picked up the child from her mother identified as Adong Kevin at around midday, saying he was taking her to the trading centre, but failed to return with her.
By 7 PM, the worried mother had started searching for the child and alerted local authorities who mobilised residents to help trace them.
The suspect reportedly resurfaced around midnight without the child, claiming that he had returned her home but failed to find the mother.
His explanation reportedly failed to convince residents, prompting the LC One chairperson Ngole Joe to escort him to police, where he was detained.
The search ended the following morning, November 3rd, when the child was reportedly discovered in a bush with signs of sexual abuse.
The North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson and Acting Public Relations Officer for Aswa West and Aswa East Regions, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, comfirmed the report, saying investigators visited the scene, recorded witness statements and recovered a blood-stained shirt allegedly worn by the suspect.
