MR, a 12-year-old boy, was charged with the offence of murder and first appeared before the Arua
High Court during its June 2023 session. He entered a plea of not guilty, and trial proceedings
commenced. However, the matter was subsequently adjourned to the next High Court session.
Free child Uganda handles numerous cases like this every year.
MR, who had been raised solely by his father and had never attended school, faced significant
challenges during the process. Efforts to secure his release on bail were unsuccessful, primarily
because his father had fled their home due to fears of community retaliation.
In June 2024, MR was found not guilty and was acquitted of the murder charge. With the assistance of
the Probation and Social Welfare Officer, his father was eventually located, and the child was
successfully reunited with him.
Through his participation in the project, the advocates who had supported MR from the outset—beginning in the lower magistrate’s court—were able to consistently monitor the case. Their
continued involvement ensured that the matter was concluded within the 12-month period prescribed
by law.
