Award-Winning Teacher Raises Alarm Over Alleged Defilement of Children, Warns Families Against Shielding Suspects

Award-winning teacher and child protection advocate Shokwei V. Barsulai has raised concern over reported cases of sexual abuse involving two young children aged eight and five, calling for justice and an end to attempts to silence victims through private family settlements.

In an emotional Sunday message addressed to members of the Watoto Walindwe ambassadors and family, Barsulai said the reported cases had deeply troubled her, particularly one involving an eight-year-old girl who was allegedly defiled by her biological father.

She also highlighted a separate reported case involving a five-year-old child, expressing concern over the vulnerability of young children and the need for stronger community action to protect them from sexual abuse.

Barsulai said the two matters had reportedly been taken up by the relevant authorities, whom she commended for their swift response and intervention.

However, she expressed alarm over reports that some family members could be pressuring those involved to resolve the matters privately, warning that such efforts risk undermining the pursuit of justice and exposing victims to further harm.

The child protection advocate challenged relatives who may be involved in protecting alleged perpetrators or negotiating silence to reconsider their actions, questioning why family reputation should be prioritised over the safety and wellbeing of innocent children.

"What exactly are you protecting? How do you look at an innocent child and choose family reputation over their safety?" she posed.

She urged families to stand with the victims instead of shielding suspects, emphasising that sexual abuse involving children should be handled through the proper legal channels rather than private negotiations.

Barsulai further called on the authorities handling the cases to ensure that investigations proceed without interference, intimidation or influence from powerful families and individuals.

She warned that financial influence, personal connections and family pressure should never be allowed to stand in the way of justice, particularly where the safety and rights of children are concerned.

In her Sunday message, Barsulai also offered prayers for the affected children, asking God to give them strength, protect them from further harm and help them overcome the trauma associated with the reported incidents.

She called for truth to prevail and justice to take its course, while urging communities to create safe environments where children can speak out and receive support without fear, intimidation or victimisation.

Her message comes amid continued calls by child protection advocates for stronger community vigilance, accountability and collective responsibility in addressing sexual violence against children.

Barsulai concluded by urging parents, guardians, families and community members to unite in safeguarding children, insisting that protecting the innocence and dignity of young people must remain a shared responsibility.