Mudangha Kolyangha
27 April 2011
Butaleja — A 23-year-old man in Butaleja District who allegedly attempted to sell his three-year-old son at Shs15 million will be charged later this week with intent to murder.
The man wanted to sell the child to get money to re-pay his debts. The man, a resident of Nampologoma village, was arrested on April 17 after he allegedly approached several people, asking them to buy the child. Ms Diana Nandawula, the eastern region police spokesperson, said the man will appear before the Tororo Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The suspect has been in detention for 10 days, contrary to the constitutional 48 hours, but the police said more investigations were ongoing. But Ms Nandawula said the police are waiting for the file to be brought from the resident state attorney. “The file was taken for advice and also for appropriate charges,” she said.
After a tip-off from a resident, police detectives, posing as potential buyers of the child, began negotiation with the suspect, who later agreed to Shs7 million as down payment. The police then directed the suspect to meet them at Buzibira Village to receive the money.
Poverty
The suspect brought the child ready to receive the money from the purported buyers, but was handcuffed and taken to Butaleja Police Station. Ms Nandawula said although poverty levels are high, parents should not make their children a source of income. “People are becoming crazy. How do you sell off your own child? This act should be rid out of people’s minds,” she said. Ms Nandawula said the man took advantage of his wife’s absence who he separated with about a year ago to sell the child.
“Parents are not bothered at all and even the community. People have to learn to have parental love for their children other than just abandoning them to God’s mercy,” she said. She said it was the first incident to be registered in the district. “Parents should take responsibility to protect children’s rights other than continuing to abuse them,” Ms Nandawula said.
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