Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-21 13:06:10
The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has extended the remand of a Portuguese national, Carlos Alberto De Almedia, to Luzira Prison on charges of aggravated trafficking. This decision was made after he failed to pay Shs30 million as part of a plea bargain agreement. The Presiding Judge Andrew Bashaijja explained that Carlos had not yet complied with the terms of the plea bargain.
The prosecution, led by Ms. Marion Benbella, informed the court that there were specific terms that the accused was supposed to fulfill, including depositing a sum of money as compensation to the victims. However, Carlos had not yet met these requirements, prompting the prosecution to request an adjournment until he complies with the terms.
Carlos’ lawyer, Mr. Daniel Angualia, stated that they had received evidence on March 20 indicating that the money had been transferred via Electronic Funds Transfer, although it had not yet reflected in his account. Despite this, Carlos expressed dissatisfaction with how journalists were capturing his photographs and claimed that he was being harassed by fellow inmates. He requested to be remanded to the Ministry of Internal Affairs until the money was paid.
In response to Carlos’ concerns, Judge Bashaijja reminded him that photographs taken by journalists were lawful unless they went overboard. He advised Carlos to focus on his trial and not to interfere with journalists. The judge also clarified that he did not have the authority to remand Carlos to the Internal Affairs Ministry and suggested that he address his harassment concerns with the Officer in Charge of prisons. Carlos was ultimately remanded until March 27.
Carlos is facing two charges of aggravated trafficking in children, as detailed in the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2009. The prosecution alleges that between April and May 2020, Carlos received and harbored a minor for the purpose of sexually exploiting her.
According to court documents, Carlos arrived in Uganda in August 2019 and initially lived in Ntinda with a girlfriend. After their separation, he moved to Najjera in April 2020 and rented an apartment. He then met the victim’s mother, who sold tea by the roadside with her daughters, and befriended the family.
The documents claim that Carlos requested the victim’s mother to allow her daughter to wash his clothes at his residence. Subsequently, the victim and Carlos began living together in a two-bedroom house, with the victim’s parents paying rent. The court records indicate that Carlos engaged in inappropriate behavior with the victim, leading to allegations of defilement.
Despite the victim’s father being aware of the situation, he did not intervene, allowing the abuse to continue. The victim eventually reported the incidents to her father, who forced her to return to Carlos’ room, where she was further assaulted. The accused then suggested moving to a larger house, where the abuse continued, and the victim was subjected to further exploitation.
In light of these disturbing allegations, Carlos remains remanded as the legal process unfolds. The court will continue to pursue justice for the victims of these heinous crimes, ensuring that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
