New details have emerged in the case of a Ugandan Ministry of Works and Transport official accused of defiling a 17-year-old student, with sources now reporting the resulting pregnancy was terminated through an illegal abortion.
Ronald Amanyire, a Principal Road Safety Officer, was accused last month of engaging in sexual acts with a senior four student at Mackay College School in Nateete, a Kampala suburb.
The allegations sparked widespread condemnation in Uganda, where defilement carries a potential life imprisonment sentence under the Penal Code Act.
The student’s name has been withheld to protect her identity.
Sources close to the investigation revealed the pregnancy was allegedly aborted in a panic-driven decision orchestrated by the girl’s aunt, who is her guardian in Kampala.
The aunt, reportedly fearful of legal repercussions from the girl’s mother, allegedly facilitated the abortion at a health facility heavily reliant on donor funds.
The procedure reportedly endangered the young girl’s life, underscoring the risks associated with illegal abortions.
Further investigation has indicated that the girl and Amanyire frequented a hotel in Seeta, suggesting a pattern of exploitation.
This publication understands that the exposure of the affair has also reportedly led to threats of divorce against Amanyire by his wife.
The initial defilement allegations had already raised concerns about ethical conduct within the Ministry of Works, led by Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala.
The reported illegal abortion adds significant complexity and severity to the case, prompting renewed calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.
Activists are now demanding justice for both the alleged defilement and the illegal abortion, emphasizing the vulnerability of young girls in situations involving power imbalances.
The case also highlights the high rate of teenage pregnancy in Uganda, where approximately one in four girls aged 15-19 has had a child or is pregnant, according to the Uganda Demographic Health Survey.
This statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect young girls and prevent such incidents.
The incident occurs as Uganda continues to address the aftermath of school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to a surge in teenage pregnancies.
Authorities are facing increasing pressure to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the case, including the alleged role of the girl’s aunt and the health facility where the abortion reportedly took place.
