Kampala Boda Boda Arrested Filmed Chewing A 8 Year Old Girl Arrested

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Police in the Kampala Metropolitan area are holding a 39-year-old boda boda rider, Moses Ssebagala, on allegations of aggravated defilement of an eight-year-old girl. The suspect, a resident of Mabombwe village, Mendez Sub-County, Wakiso district, was arrested following a viral social media video showing him committing the heinous act.

According to preliminary investigations, the victim was playing outside with her sister on April 16 when Ssebagala approached them and offered the children a phone to watch cartoons. “It is alleged that the suspect gave the children a phone to watch cartoons. He then placed the victim on his lap, where he was allegedly seen defiling her,” said SP Rachael Kawala, Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson.

The disturbing video, which circulated widely on WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter), shows a man in a domestic setting committing the act while the child appears distracted by the mobile device. Ssebagala is currently being held on charges of aggravated defilement, which carries a maximum sentence of death upon conviction under the Penal Code Act.

“We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse. We urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely supervise their children at all times,” SP Kawala warned in a statement on Friday. The police have issued a stern warning to the public regarding child safety, emphasizing their commitment to thoroughly investigating such acts and ensuring justice for victims.

The arrest comes amid growing concerns from child rights activists over the increasing use of digital gadgets to lure unsuspecting children into sexual abuse. According to the 2025 Annual Crime Report, defilement cases decreased by 14.8% in 2025, with 10,492 incidents reported compared to 12,312 the previous year. However, the report highlights concerning suspect profiles, including teachers, guardians, and parents, who are breaching the trust of children.

“The findings underscore the persistent vulnerability of children, especially adolescent girls, to sexual violence, and call for an urgent need for stronger prevention, protection, and accountability measures,” said child rights activists.

Medical examinations for the victim are reportedly underway as detectives gather more evidence to bolster the prosecution’s case. Ssebagala is expected to be arraigned before the Wakiso Magistrate’s Court later this week.

The police have urged anyone with information about similar cases to come forward and report them to the authorities. The case has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many calling for swift justice and increased efforts to protect children from abuse.