Court dismisses pedophile case against German national

Mr Bernard Glanser, celebrate with one of the children who are trained at his centre. Left is his lawyer. Photo by Henry Lubulwa

KALANGALA –Masaka Resident Judge John Eudes Keitirima has dismissed a pedophile case against Mr Bernard Glanser, a German national living at Mwena Landing Site in Kalangala Town Council.

 In June 2014, Mr Glanser was accused by the state of causing sexual harm against two children under the care of his Ssese Humanitarian Centre, a sexual reproductive health care center that looks after children who are sexually harassed in Ssese Islands.

The centre had 28 children at the time the alleged crime was reported.

 However, prosecution led by Resident Senior State Attorney David Baxter Bakibinga told court on Thursday morning that the Inspector General of Police wrote to the Director of Public prosecution indicating that Police had failed to get evidence that could pin the suspect.

Justice Keitirima was prompted to conclude that since prosecution lacked evidence, the case had to be dismissed.

 Mr Glanser told journalists after the dismissal of the case that the judgment is a land mark for his humanitarian centre adding that he would continue helping neglected and sexually abused children in the community.

 “We welcome the judgment. We shall continue serving for the improvement of our society, create awareness on sexual reproductive health and improve the education of our children,” Glanser said.

 Mr Lester Kaganzi, his lawyer said, there wasn’t need for further prosecution since police had no evidence.

 Tonny Lubanga Kigoonya, a director at the centre said the staff of the organisation would take leave for three weeks to restructure and offer better services.