Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
A Portuguese national, Carlos Alberto De Almedia E Costa, has been remanded to Luzira prison over charges of aggravated trafficking of a minor. The International Crimes Division of the High Court ordered his remand, following allegations that he received and exploited a vulnerable minor for sexual purposes. The case has shed light on the disturbing world of human trafficking, uncovering chilling details that have left the nation in disbelief.
According to court documents, between April and May 2020, Alberto is accused of receiving and harboring a minor in Busibante Zone, Kira Division, Wakiso district. It is alleged that he abused his power and the minor’s position of vulnerability by offering or receiving payments to gain consent for sexually exploiting her.
Alberto arrived in Uganda in August 2019 and resided in Ntinda before relocating to Najjera in April 2020. It was there that he encountered the victim’s mother, who sold tea by the roadside with her two daughters. Their innocent interactions turned sinister as Alberto took advantage of their trust.
The accused gradually gained the trust of the victim’s family and developed a friendship with the young girl. Shockingly, they started living together in a rented house, where Alberto engaged in inappropriate behavior with the victim while her family slept. Even after the victim’s sister noticed and raised concerns, the father remained silent, allowing the exploitation to continue.
During the mention of the case, the prosecution confirmed Alberto’s mental fitness for trial based on a medical report from Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital. The court set a hearing date for July 24, along with the bail application.
The prosecution has charged Alberto with two counts of aggravated trafficking in children, which carry severe penalties if proven. As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation awaits justice for the victim and her family, while highlighting the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of human trafficking.
