By Ezrah Kashumbusha.
KAMPALA, March 28, 2024 | The International Crimes Division of the High Court has handed a four-year prison sentence to Carlos Alberto Almedia, a Portuguese national, for charges related to trafficking of a minor and prevention of trafficking in persons.
Presided over by Judge Andrew Bashaija, the court also ordered Carlos to compensate the victim with a sum of 30 million shillings after he pleaded guilty to the charges through a plea bargain arrangement with the state.
“In accordance with your agreement with the prosecution, you are hereby sentenced to four years, with the period spent on remand deducted. Any balance remaining will be served immediately, after which you will be deported from the country,” stated Judge Bashaija.
The plea bargain agreement outlined three aggravating factors, including the significant age difference between the convict and the victim, abuse of power, and the seriousness of the offense, which carries a maximum sentence of death.
Carlos, citing his advanced age and family responsibilities in Portugal, along with his battle with prostate cancer, expressed remorse for his actions during the court proceedings.
Prosecutor Joseph Kyomuhendo informed the court that the compensation of 30 million shillings had already been deposited with the Court’s registrar, as per the terms of the plea bargain agreement.
According to court documents, Carlos befriended the victim’s mother, who sold tea roadside, and subsequently began a relationship with the victim. The situation escalated when Carlos persuaded the victim to move in with him, under the guise of washing his clothes.
Despite objections from the victim’s father, the exploitation continued, with Carlos eventually relocating to a larger house and paying rent, where he further abused the victim.
