Kumi District — Regional Police in Kumi District have launched an internal investigation following a shocking incident in which a suspected defiler escaped from custody just hours after his arrest.

The suspect, identified only as Augustine, allegedly attempted to defile an 11-year-old girl on the night of October 14, 2025. Community members intervened and rescued the child before reporting the matter to Kumi Central Police Station under reference number SDREF 36/14/10/2025.

Augustine, who is reportedly a security officer with SOU Security Services, was taken into custody but mysteriously vanished while still under police watch — an incident that has enraged residents and raised serious questions about police accountability.

Speaking to reporters, ASP Stephen Mukombe, the acting spokesperson for the South Kyoga Regional Police, confirmed that a disciplinary investigation had been launched.

“We are conducting a thorough investigation to establish which officers were involved in the arrest and how the suspect managed to escape,” Mukombe stated.

He added that the implicated officers will appear before a disciplinary committee to explain their actions, while efforts are ongoing to verify the suspect’s true identity, residence, and the legitimacy of SOU Security Services’ operations in Kumi District.

“We assure the community that Augustine will be located once investigations are complete,” Mukombe said, adding that police are also investigating the attempted rape involving an armed security guard.

The Night of the Attack

According to the victim’s father, James Oumo, the incident occurred at around 8:00 PM near the Pepsi Depot in Kumi.

“I found a security guard holding my daughter tightly, with a gun on his back and his hand over her mouth. When I approached, he had grabbed the girl seriously, and I raised an alarm that drew the community, forcing him to release her,” Oumo narrated.

Oumo said the suspect initially confessed to his actions and begged for forgiveness before being handed over to the police. He condemned the security company, urging such firms to properly train their guards in human rights and community relations.

The victim later told her parents that the suspect threatened to shoot her if she screamed.

Family’s Plea for Justice

The girl’s mother, Dinner Aluka, recounted that her daughter was attacked while stepping outside to lock the gate.

“The girl is traumatized and too scared to leave the house. She fears going to school and has even suggested we move away,” Aluka said emotionally.

She criticized the police’s handling of the suspect, alleging that officers were too lenient with him.

“We expected them to handcuff him, but to our shock, he was seen freely conversing with them. We need justice for our traumatized daughter and support from human rights activists to help us follow up this case,” Aluka pleaded.

Public Outcry

The community has expressed outrage over what they describe as negligence and possible connivance by the police, demanding transparency and swift disciplinary action against officers involved in the escape.

As investigations continue, Kumi residents are calling for stronger oversight of private security companies and stricter enforcement of child protection laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.