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RUKIGA - Workers and patients at Mparo Health Centre IV in Rukiga district were on Tuesday still in shock after it emerged that a male nurse allegedly raped a pregnant patient.

The 20-year-old expectant mother who had gone for regular medical checkups at the medical facility was allegedly tormented and irritated by what had transpired inside the room where prenatal ultrasound tests for pregnant mothers are done.

She reported the matter to the management for help.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Elly Maate, the Kigezi Police region spokesman, Darius Orikiriza, 38, an enrolled nurse attached to Mparo Health Centre IV, had been detained at Rukiga Central Police Station after he was apprehended over the allegations. 

Orikiriza is a resident of the facility's quarters in Mparo Ward, located in Rwamucucu sub-county, Rukiga district. 

It is alleged that on August 21, 2023, at about 1:00pm, the victim, who is seven months pregnant, had gone for a medical checkup at the said medical facility and as usual, she was referred to the scanning department, which was being operated by now the suspect.

“On arrival, she was directed to remove her clothes and was accordingly forced into canal knowledge,” the statement reads in parts.

According to Maate, the patient immediately informed the facility in charge who in turn also informed the Police for further management.

He explained that a team of detectives were dispatched to the scene, and this included the district Police commander and the officer-in-charge of the Criminal Investigations Department who ensured the suspect was immediately arrested. 

The Police team also obtained swabs or specimens from the victim and the suspect.

The health workers obtained the specimens from their colleague for onward submission to the Government Analytical Laboratories for analysis. 

They also conducted HIV tests on the suspect with a view of ascertaining his sero status. The case has been registered as Rape under file CRB 361/2023.

Investigations were yet to establish whether there were other victims, who for some reason had gone through the same ordeal, but either decided to keep silent or did report, but their matter was not handled. 

Maate said inquiries were ongoing and condemned the act saying it was unethical and unprofessional and contrary to what the medical worker was supposed to have done. 

He said when the inquiries are complete, the suspect will be produced in court.