KAGERA: HUNDREDS of people gathered at the Bukoba District Magistrate’s Court yesterday to witness the arraignment of Abdul Suleiman, a 30-year-old resident of Kahororo Ward in Bukoba Municipality, who is accused of sexually exploiting minors.
Prosecuting State Attorney Agnes Awino informed the court, which was held in camera, that between April and July of this year, Suleiman allegedly sexually exploited six minors (names withheld), aged between 6 and 9 years.
The charges against him include rape and having carnal knowledge against the order of nature.
Awino confirmed that the investigations were complete and that the court proceeded with the preliminary hearing (PH).
One witness testified on behalf of the prosecution.
Suleiman pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Resident Magistrate Andrew Kabuka adjourned Criminal Case No. 22889/2024 until August 28 for further proceedings and ordered that Suleiman be remanded in custody.
In a separate case, Suleiman was also arraigned before Resident Magistrate Flora Kaijage on charges of raping a nine-year-old Standard Three pupil (name withheld).
He pleaded not guilty to these charges as well.
Magistrate Kaijage adjourned Criminal Case No. 22890/2024 until August 28 and ordered Suleiman to be remanded in custody.
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Sexual violence against children is a global issue affecting millions of boys and girls.
It occurs across all societies and can happen in various settings, including homes, schools and communities.
Many victims, including a significant number of boys, do not report their abuse.
In Tanzania, the sexual exploitation of children is strictly punishable under Section 138(b) of the Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act (1998), which prescribes imprisonment for a term of not less than 5 years and not exceeding 20 years.
The age of consent is 18, with no legal exceptions for sexual activity involving minors.
The impact of sexual violence extends beyond individual victims, affecting families and communities.
Children who experience sexual abuse often face additional forms of violence, which can hinder societal progress and development.
In 2017, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimated that approximately 3.8 million people globally were trapped in forced sexual exploitation, with 21 per cent being children under 18.
According to Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), parties are required to take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment, or exploitation, including sexual abuse.
