By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
BUSHENYI
Police in Sheema district on Monday (November 11) arrested a muslim Imam over child trafficking allegations.
Bwengye Zubail, a 48-year-old imam and director of Darul Uroom Markaz Faux LTD, was arrested on charges of harboring and indoctrinating minors under the guise of religious (Quran) education.
His arrest followed a complaint by Mwijukye Zebede, 50, Inspector of Schools in Sheema district that Zubail was holding several young girls at his home in Kitagata Town Council for purposes beyond the stated religious instruction.
“Upon investigation, a team led by the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sheema Police Station, with support from the District Inspector of Schools, visited the residence of the suspect in Nyakabirizi cell, Kibanga East Ward, Kitagata Town Council,” Police reported.
Seven children were rescued from the suspects home and are currently in their custody and are awaiting interviews, medical examination and to locate their parents. The girls, aged 3 to 11, are reportedly from Sheema, Ntungamo, and Mbarara districts. Police identified the victims as:
- Ninsiima Nazitali, 10, from Sheema District
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Gumoshabe Mariam, 10, daughter of the suspect, from Sheema District
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Swahuma Zawadi, 11, from Ntungamo District
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Ampaire Fatima, 7, from Ntungamo District
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Mbabazi Mariam, 3, from Mbarara City
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Akampurira Sumaji, 8, another daughter of the suspect, from Sheema District
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Amida Jesca, 5, from Ntungamo District
SSP Martial Tumusiime, Greater Bushenyi Police spokesperson said the children were kept in a small, two-roomed house where one room doubled as both classroom and dormitory for the girls, while the other served as a bedroom for Zubail and his wife.
Police further reported that the children appeared to have been heavily indoctrinated, with beliefs that contradicted formal education and specific guidelines on daily practices, such as only eating once at 7 p.m. and adhering to strict modesty rules.
“Authorities are closely monitoring the case and have promised to keep the public updated as investigations proceed on case file ref. CRB 717/2024,” said police.
