Prophet Kimera Elijah James, the leader of Faith Centre Church of All Nations in Lusanja, Wakiso District, has received a 40-year prison sentence for defiling a 16-year-old girl and subsequently infecting her with HIV.
The case unfolded after allegations emerged that the religious leader had engaged in sexual relations with the underage victim, resulting in her contracting the deadly virus. The victim’s courageous testimony shed light on the horrific abuse she endured at the hands of someone she had trusted as a spiritual guide.
Following thorough investigation and legal proceedings, the court found Prophet Kimera Elijah James guilty of defilement, a grave offense under Ugandan law. The severity of the crime, compounded by the irreversible consequences of HIV transmission, prompted the court to impose a lengthy prison term as a deterrent and punishment.
The verdict serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of minors to exploitation and abuse, particularly within religious institutions where trust and reverence are often placed in spiritual leaders. It underscores the imperative for robust safeguards and accountability mechanisms
