Muslim cleric arrested for trafficking seven girls in Sheema

Police in Sheema district have arrested a Muslim cleric for trafficking at least seven girls.

“We have Imam Zubail Bwengye in custody. He is simultaneously director of Darul Uroom Markaz Faux LDT. His arrest followed a tip from local residents,” Marcial confirmed.Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi police spokesperson.

According to him, the alleged human trafficking was committed on November 11, 2024 in Kitagata Municipal Council in Sheema District.

Authorities accuse the imam of trafficking seven children under the age of 12, the youngest of whom is three years old.

“We will find out the intention because this is not a school, but in any case you cannot teach seven students. The parents of these children will have to take statements with us before we hand over these children to them,” he said. journalists on Tuesday.

Police say they took action against Imam Bwengye after receiving information from locals who urged authorities to rescue children who had been cared for by the suspect for more than five months under the guise of teaching the Quran.

According to Sheema District Inspector of Schools Zebede Mwijukye, the victims were from Sheema, Mbarara and Ntungamo districts.

“The place where they stayed was a two-room house and the victims occupied one room that doubled as a classroom and dormitory. Another room served as a bedroom for the suspect and his wife,” he said.

Tumusiime said all the recovered children were girls and that they have already been indoctrinated that they do not believe in our formal education “and that no part of the body should be seen.”