BUYENDE (UGANDA)
AllAfrica.com
August 5, 2025
By Hakim Kanyere, Nile Post
A Catholic priest, Reverend Father Owori Silver Osuna, 33, and his driver, Robert Gabula, have been remanded to Buyende Government Prison over their alleged involvement in the unlawful detention and death of a 14-year-old boy.
The duo appeared before Kamuli Chief Magistrate Paul Owino at Buyende Magistrate’s Court on Monday for the mention of their case.
Due to the capital nature of the charges, which fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court, they were not allowed to enter a plea.
They were remanded until August 21, 2025, when they will reappear for further proceedings.
According to prosecution, the case arose after Fr Owori reported the disappearance of Shs5 million from his room during his absence.
He suspected Joseph Kirya, a 14-year-old boy from Makanga Ward, Wesunire, Buyende Town Council, of theft.
The priest allegedly enlisted his driver Robert Gabula and another individual known as Waiswa to apprehend Kirya on August 1, 2025, at around 5pm.
Kirya was taken to the parish premises where he was reportedly beaten and locked overnight inside a church store.
The following morning, Fr Owori reportedly filed a theft complaint with police and requested officers to pick up the detained boy.
However, upon arriving at the parish, a police officer found Kirya’s lifeless body in the store.
“Upon discovering the body, it was evident that the suspect had died during illegal detention,” a police source said.
“The priest, meanwhile, had fled the scene.”
The incident has triggered outrage among local residents and child protection advocates.
“The torture and death of a minor under the custody of a religious leader is not only tragic but deeply disturbing,” said a local child protection officer.
“We call on the justice system to ensure those responsible are held accountable without delay.”
If convicted, the accused face severe penalties under Ugandan law, where murder carries a capital sentence, potentially including life imprisonment.
Read the original article on Nile Post.