Butebo Herbalist Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of 11-Year-Old Girl

Police in Butebo District have taken a local herbalist into custody following allegations that he defiled an 11-year-old girl. The suspect, identified as Gorete Siraji from Kabuyai Village in Petete Town Council, was picked up after a formal report was lodged by the district probation officer, Peter Ojaala, in early November 2026.

According to law enforcement authorities, the ordeal began in June 2026 when the minor’s mother sought help from the herbalist because her daughter was reportedly suffering from episodes attributed to evil spirits. The mother left the child at the suspect’s residence for roughly two months after failing to immediately raise the Shs50,000 treatment fee requested by the herbalist.

Investigators revealed that the suspect allegedly abused the victim multiple times in nearby bushes under the guise of gathering medicinal herbs. The man reportedly threatened the minor, claiming that the spiritual treatment would fail if she revealed what transpired during their trips.

Bukedi North regional police spokesperson, ASP Wilfred Kyempasa, confirmed that detectives have visited the crime scene, gathered a statement from the victim, and secured a medical examination form to aid the ongoing investigation. The suspect remains in custody as legal proceedings are being prepared.

Read the original story on the Daily Monitor.