Jinja headmistress accused of procuring female pupils for senior student

The headteacher of St. Gonzaga Senior Secondary School, Anna Nanziri, is under police investigation following allegations from several students accusing her of facilitating the sexual exploitation of female pupils by a senior six student at the institution. 

According to formal complaints received by Jinja district authorities and the Kiira Regional police command, the 20-year-old male student would allegedly “select” two girls every Friday evening. Nanziri would then reportedly transport them in her personal vehicle to her residence in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe district. 

The girls allegedly remained at Nanziri’s home throughout the weekend before returning to school on Monday mornings. The precise nature of the relationship between Nanziri and the male student currently remains unclear. 

However, several girls and teachers interviewed during preliminary inquiries described the two as maintaining an unusually close relationship at school. Nanziri is also alleged to have left her house keys with the male student prior to travelling to Kampala, leaving him unsupervised at the property with the young girls. 

District authorities report that at least eight girls have come forward with related complaints. According to accounts presented to investigators, the arrangement initially involved the male student inviting the girls to spend weekends at Nanziri’s home. 

However, allegations of sexual exploitation subsequently emerged, with some victims stating that the student pressured them into sexual acts by claiming he suffered from a medical condition that could only be cured through intercourse. 

Some of the girls also allege that those who attempted to complain were threatened with suspension or expulsion, fostering a culture of fear among the student body and discouraging others from reporting the abuse.

One of the victims reportedly disclosed her experience to her mother earlier this month. The mother initially took no action but later contacted authorities after learning of an identical allegation from another parent. 

The victims have requested psychological support from authorities, stating that the experiences have left them deeply traumatised and suffering from nightmares. They have also appealed for justice and urged investigators to handle the case with the utmost sensitivity to protect the victims, many of whom remain fearful of speaking out openly. 

The deputy chief administrative officer of Jinja district, Hussein Malunda, confirmed that the district probation team has been interacting with the girls who filed complaints. Malunda stated that the findings from the team’s engagements have been handed over to the police, who are conducting further investigations before the matter is referred to the courts. 

Kiira Regional Police spokesperson James Mubi declined to comment on the specifics of the case, stating that the investigation is still in its early stages. However, a detective close to the inquiry confirmed that statements have been recorded from the victims, Nanziri, and other relevant parties. 

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