The High
Court in Mbale has sentenced Fred Luke Wotsuna, 37, from Manafwa District to 10
years in prison for the aggravated defilement of his 12-year-old stepdaughter.
Wotsuna, who had spent seven years on remand,
pleaded guilty in a landmark virtual trial.
The case stems from an incident on August 27,
2017, when Wotsuna sexually assaulted the minor at their home in Buta Parish,
Nalondo Sub-county, in Manafwa District, while his partner was away. The
victim's brother discovered the assault, and the incident was reported to the
police by the victim’s uncle, leading to Wotsuna's arrest in September 2017.
Medical evidence presented in court corroborated
the allegations against him. Under the Penal Code Act, the maximum sentence for
such an offense is the death penalty, but the case of Susan Kigula vs. Attorney
General established that a death sentence is no longer mandatory.
Wotsuna entered into a plea bargain, which
resulted in a 10-year sentence, factoring in the seven years he had already
spent on remand. His defense lawyer, Geoffrey Napa, argued that Wotsuna was a
first-time offender, expressed remorse, and sought forgiveness from the victim.
Resident Judge Farouk
Kirunda endorsed the plea bargain, praising its efficiency in delivering
justice. Wotsuna expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his sentence
and return to his family sooner, acknowledging the complainants' willingness to
reconcile.
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