Mpigi traditional healer arrested over defiling five girls

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A traditional healer has been taken into custody at Mpigi Central Police Station over allegations that he defiled five girls, including four biological daughters over four years.

Swaibu Murundi, 43, is a resident of Butamba village in Kayabwe town council, Mpigi district.

Police spokesman Fred Enanga said in a statement on Monday (May 13) that Murundi was detained over aggravated defilement of the girls since 2020.

“The girl victims are all school-going pupils and students. Additional charges of incest against his biological daughters aged 16, 15, 14, and 12 are being preferred,” he said.

Enanga also said the fifth victim is the daughter of Murundi’s close friend whom he victimised while paying school fees for her.

“The victims had all along kept quiet after their father/guardian threatened to bewitch and kill them using witchcraft. The suspect lived in a well-fenced premise, seated on two acres that were restricted to the public,” he said.

He also reported that Murundi's home has three gates and his clients used one gate that led to the traditional shrines.

“His cottage where he slept was isolated. It was a traditional practice for him to have carnal knowledge with his daughters once they clocked 12 years. The sexual act would thereafter, become routine,” Enanga said.

He also stated that every evening, the victims would gather at a fireplace for rituals, eat food, and then proceed to their father or guardian’s cottage for the sexual act.

“The suspect separated from the biological mothers of his four daughters. The police continue to strongly condemn acts of defilement of girl victims by their fathers and guardians,” he said.

Enanga noted that it is an abomination and an act of betrayal by parents and guardians who are role models and are supposed to protect their children and promote their well-being.

He thanked the Mpigi Deputy Resident District Commissioner, the District Police Commander, and local security officers for their hard work during the operation against child sexual violence and exploitation.

“The arrest should serve as a warning to those who harm children and use them as sex objects,” Enanga said.