Family of 14-year-old sodomy victim accuses Catholic church of threats

The family of a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly sodomized by a dormitory warden at Child Jesus Primary School in Moroto municipality is seeking police protection after receiving threats from the church and community members.

The warden, along with the school’s head teacher and deputy head teacher, was arrested in July in connection with the incident. The deputy head teacher has since been released on bail, while the head teacher and the prime suspect remain on remand at Singila Prison until August 28, 2025.

However, instead of receiving support, the victim’s family claims to be facing backlash from members of the church and community who believe that exposing the case is tarnishing the reputation of the school and the Catholic Church.

Simon Peter Lotimo, the victim’s father, said the head teacher had previously warned his son not to reveal the abuse and restricted him from leaving school. He said the boy’s twin brother was the only one allowed to go home, but the victim eventually managed to sneak out and told his mother about the abuse.

The boy testified that the warden had been sodomizing him and other pupils and that he was secretly taken to Moroto regional referral hospital for treatment after developing health complications.

Lotimo said the family is traumatized, and his wife has attempted suicide multiple times due to the backlash. He explained that their family is accused of promoting homosexuality, an act perceived as evil and a curse in Karamojong society, and they are now treated as “witches.”

Lotimo added that one of the nuns warned the mother to “go slow” on the matter, claiming that if the boy had endured the abuse multiple times, it must mean he “loved it.”

The victim’s mother, Alice Atimango, said the church has shown no interest in intervening and is accusing her of “exposing” the matter and causing the nun’s arrest over what they called a “minor issue.”

She feels the issue has become a personal fight between her and the church, and she is seeking justice for her son.

Adrhis Lamster Oyang, a member of the school board, stated that the school would not condone such a criminal act and that they are awaiting the conclusion of the investigation.

Lucy Akajo, Karamoja regional coordinator for the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), said she had a private conversation with the victim, who told her he had reported the abuse to the head teacher, who then dismissed his concerns.

Akajo expressed her concern over the head teacher’s “high level of negligence.” Justine Samuel Tuko, acting Moroto Resident District Commissioner, confirmed the arrests and said that other pupils have testified that the warden used incentives like money, sweets, and bread to lure them.

Tuko said the deputy head teacher was released after he revealed he had reported the matter to his boss, who took no action. He also confirmed that other victims have been identified and that the district is providing psychological support to the family.

A team from the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity, under the Office of the President, has engaged the Moroto district security committee to ensure the case is not frustrated.

Commissioner Nickolas Abola said preliminary findings confirm that the acts of sodomy and molestation took place. Abola urged authorities to protect the family from harm and warned that the case could escalate into an insecurity issue if not handled properly.

He also directed the security committee to summon the bishop for a statement if threats to the family continue.