Written By | Our Reporter
Rev. Atwebembire Michael, the curate of Kabushaho Church of Uganda in the Diocese of West Ankole, was taken into custody on the morning of Thursday, July 23, 2026
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BUSHENYI, Uganda
Police in Bushenyi District have arrested a Church of Uganda curate on charges of aggravated defilement involving a 15-year-old Primary Seven pupil.
Rev. Atwebembire Michael, the curate of Kabushaho Church of Uganda in the Diocese of West Ankole, was taken into custody on the morning of Thursday, July 23, 2026, following a complaint lodged by the victim's parents and school authorities.
According to police sources, the suspect had been repeatedly inviting the minor, identified only as Bridget to protect her identity, to the parish house under the pretence of offering refreshments.
"It is alleged that on several occasions, Atwebembire used sweets, chapati, and mandazi to lure the girl into the parish house, where he would engage in sexual acts with her," a police officer familiar with the case told this publication.
The Police Reference Number
Fellow pupils at Kabushaho Primary School grew suspicious and alerted the school administration, which immediately intervened. The school authorities, together with the victim's parents, took the girl for a medical examination at a nearby health facility. The medical report confirmed that there had been repeated penetration, indicating a pattern of sexual abuse.
A case was subsequently registered at Bushenyi Central Police Station under reference number SD REF: 36/22/07/2026. Police detectives swung into action and arrested Atwebembire, who is currently being detained at the station as investigations continue.
The Bushenyi District Police Commander confirmed the arrest but declined to give further details, saying investigations were still ongoing.
The case has sparked outrage among residents and parents in Kabushaho, with many calling for swift justice. Some have also expressed concern over the growing trend of trusted community leaders abusing their positions of authority to prey on vulnerable children.
The Church of Uganda's Diocese of West Ankole has not yet issued an official statement regarding the arrest of one of its clergy. The suspect is expected to appear in court once police conclude their investigations.
