Written By | BK Mugizi
Rev. Atwebembire was arrested on July 23, 2026, after he allegedly invited the 15-year-old pupil of Kabushaho Primary School to his residence, where he allegedly lured her into a sexual act
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Bushenyi
The Grade One Magistrate's Court in Bushenyi has remanded a Church of Uganda priest to Nyamushekyera Government Prison over allegations of aggravated defilement involving a 15-year-old Primary Seven pupil.
The accused, Rev. Michael Atwebembire, a curate at Kabushaho Church of Uganda in West Ankole Diocese, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Emmanuel Niyokwizera on Monday.
According to the prosecution, Rev. Atwebembire was arrested on July 23, 2026, after he allegedly invited the 15-year-old pupil of Kabushaho Primary School to his residence, where he allegedly lured her into a sexual act.
The court did not allow the accused to take a plea because the offence is triable by the High Court.
Magistrate Niyokwizera remanded Rev. Atwebembire to Nyamushekyera Government Prison until September 7, 2026, when the case will return to court for mention.
The Greater Bushenyi Regional Police Commander said the suspect was arrested after the girl's parents lodged a complaint at Bushenyi Central Police Station, prompting investigations that led to his arrest.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, the Dean of West Ankole Diocese, Rev. John Makuru, said the diocese was committed to ensuring that justice prevails.
"As a diocese, we want the truth to prevail. We shall allow the law to take its course," Rev. Makuru said.
He, however, noted that there have been unresolved misunderstandings between some members of the clergy and the administration of Kabushaho Primary School, which he said had created suspicion.
"There have been unsettled issues between the clergy and the school administration, and this has raised some suspicion. Nevertheless, we believe the courts will establish the truth," Rev. Makuru added.
The Greater Bushenyi Sub-region Police Commander, Godfrey Achiria, confirmed the incident, saying the suspect was arrested after the victim's parents lodged a complaint at Bushenyi Central Police Station.
He said the parents alleged that the suspect had been enticing the girl with sweets, biscuits, and chapatis before allegedly luring her into a sexual act.
"The suspect was arrested following a complaint from the victim's parents. They alleged that he had been enticing the girl with sweets, biscuits, and chapatis before allegedly luring her into a sexual act. Investigations into the matter are ongoing," Achiria said.
