By Admin
The tragic murder of six-year-old Apio Joan Faith has sent shockwaves throughout Uganda, drawing urgent attention from various sectors, including the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF).
Apio, who had just begun her term at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Soroti City East Division, was discovered dead in a latrine merely three days after her arrival, leading to widespread outrage and speculation regarding the circumstances of her death, including the possibility of child sacrifice.
Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot publicly addressed the situation during the funeral of Brig. Gen. Charles Oluka, highlighting the negligence of the school’s administration and condemning any actions that exploit children’s lives for profit.
His remarks resonated deeply with the gathered officials, including security personnel, ministers, and the Vice President Jessica Rose Alupo, who was representing the President at the ceremony.
In response to the incident, Deputy Chief of Defense Forces Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding has labeled it a significant security concern.
He emphasized the urgency of a thorough investigation, insisting on accountability without delay.
Gen. Okiding expressed his horror at the nature of the crime and criticized the unfortunate culture of child sacrifice while urging parents to carefully select safe educational environments for their children.
“It has reached my attention that the incident has not only raised concerns about the safety of children in educational institutions but has also reportedly led to decreased school attendance as frightened parents reconsider sending their children to school”, he stated.
Adding, “I will not tolerate this nonsense, this is absolutely a threat to education sector in the region, we shall take up the matter to the final step to restore stability and trust to the population by teaming up with Police”.
Gen. Okiding acknowledged the detrimental impact this fear could have on education in the region and called for immediate action from security agencies to restore community trust and ensure the safety of children.
At least five people have been kept in Police custody to guide the investigations, including the school director’s wife Susan Vivian Okedi, Joseph Okedi the Director, Head teacher David Kadimba and the Metron Souls Adongo.
“We also arrested the brother to the school director who was found in the school today which is the scene of crime yet the school was temporarily closed” Said Damalie Nakhuha the East Kyoga Regional Police Commander.
This heart-wrenching event underscores the urgent need for collective efforts to safeguard children’s rights and welfare, reinforcing the importance of vigilance in ensuring secure environments for their education and development.
