Kampala Sqoop | Top Story
On Thursday 16th April 2026, an 8-year-old girl was allegedly defiled in Mabombwe village, Mende subcounty, Wakiso district. By Friday 17th April, the man accused was in police custody.
Kampala Metropolitan Police moved fast after a video of the incident began circulating. The footage led officers straight to the suspect: Ssebagala Moses, 39, a boda boda rider and resident of Mabombwe. He was arrested and is now being held on charges of aggravated defilement.
Police spokesperson Kawala Rachael confirmed the arrest Friday evening. “Police in Wakiso have arrested the suspect seen in the footage,” she said. “He is being held in connection with the aggravated defilement of an 8-year-old girl.”
How Police Closed In
The timeline was tight. The crime occurred on 16th April. The video surfaced online shortly after. Detectives in Wakiso identified the location as Mabombwe village, Mabombwe parish. They traced the suspect to his home the same day.
By Friday, Ssebagala was booked. Officers cited the video as critical evidence that allowed for swift identification and arrest. Without it, the case would have relied on witness statements from two children.
Ssebagala remains in custody at a Wakiso station. Kawala said he will be produced in court as investigations continue. Medical examinations of the victim have been completed. Statements from the victim’s sister, who was present, have been recorded.
What Police Say Happened
According to investigators, the victim was outside with her sister when Ssebagala approached. He gave the children a phone to watch cartoons. He then placed the 8-year-old on his lap. That is where the alleged defilement occurred.
The act was captured on video by a third party. That person has not been arrested. Police have not said whether they will be questioned as a witness.
Police Message to Parents
Kawala used the arrest to issue a direct warning. “We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse,” she said. “We urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely supervise their children at all times.”
She added that the Force remains “committed to thoroughly investigating such acts and ensuring justice for victims.”
The message from police was twofold: offenders will be caught, and prevention starts at home. In peri-urban areas like Mabombwe, police say children are often left unsupervised as parents work. Predators exploit that gap.
Public Reaction After the Arrest
The arrest brought relief, then debate. Residents praised the speed of the operation. Many had expected the case to drag.
But attention quickly turned to the video itself. One resident said, “I am aggrieved by the person who stood there recording the ordeal instead of stopping this gruesome act.” Another resident said the suspect should be castrated.
Police have not responded to those comments. Their focus, Kawala said, is on prosecution. “The suspect is currently in custody and will be produced in court,” she repeated.
Why This Arrest Matters
Defilement cases in Uganda often stall. Evidence goes missing. Witnesses fear testifying. Suspects get bond and vanish. This one was different.
The video gave police a face, a location, and a timestamp. It gave prosecutors a case that doesn’t depend on a child’s testimony alone. It gave the public an arrest within 24 hours of the crime.
For Wakiso Police, it was a clear win. For Ssebagala Moses, it was the end of a short run. For the 8-year-old girl, it is the start of a long process toward justice.
The court date has not been set. Police say investigations are ongoing but the primary suspect is secured.
In Mabombwe, the boda stage is quieter. One of their own sits in a cell. The video that ended his freedom is still on phones across the country.
