Crime
Wakiso ‘Prophet’ Sent To Luzira For 40 Years After Defiling, Infecting A 17 Year Old Choir Girl
A born-again “prophet,” has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for impregnating a 17-year-old girl with whom he fathered twins and infected her with HIV.
Prophet Elijah James Kimera, 35, of Faith Centre Church of All Nations at Lusanja in Wakiso has been sentenced by High Court Judge Margaret Mutonyi.Prosecution’s key evidence revealed that the victim’s mother was a member of Prophet Elijah’s church who engaged in sexual relations with the church leader, resulting in the birth of two children.
The victim, then studying in senior three, was later introduced to the prophet for spiritual guidance and also became a choir member. Allegations surfaced implicating Prophet Elijah in engaging in sexual relations with a victim within the confines of a car on the church premises under the cover of night.
Court proceedings revealed that the exploitation persisted until the victim gave birth to twins, a situation Justice Mutonyi described as deeply violating African cultural norms, as it involved both mother and daughter being treated as co-wives.
The court condemned the prophet for his deceitful and manipulative behavior, initially denying knowledge of the victim’s whereabouts until court intervention led to her rescue, along with the twins, from the church.
Acknowledging guilt only after exposure, the prophet sought forgiveness from both the court and his faith community, though Justice Mutonyi observed this as a strategic move to mitigate sentencing rather than genuine remorse.
Despite being granted bail, Prophet Elijah continued to cohabit with the victim until she reached the age of majority a year prior. The judge highlighted the imperative for courts to shield underage girls from sexual predators, citing that 70% of listed criminal cases involve aggravated defilement.
Further, Justice Mutonyi stressed that defilement within a church setting mirrors the violation experienced at home, as pastors are often regarded as spiritual guardians. The revelation that both mother and daughter were impregnated by the same individual, who also exposed them to a life-threatening disease due to his reckless conduct, will undoubtedly inflict profound trauma on their family members.
Prophet Kimera has been advised that while he retains the right to appeal his sentence, his guilty plea precludes challenging his conviction.