Kagadi Police officer arrested for allegedly raping an inmate

CRIME

KAGADI - The Police in Kagadi are holding their own officer on allegations of raping an 18-year-old female prisoner.

Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson identified the accused as Assistant Inspector of Police, George Kyuka, the officer-in-charge Kyenzige Police Post in Kagadi district.

"I confirm the arrest of George Kyuka, our own Assistant Inspector of Police for allegedly raping a female adult suspect whom he promised to set free if she never resisted sexual advances. The victim later filed a case of rape at Kagadi police station and we had to swiftly act by arresting the officer who we still have in our custody,'' he said.

Hakiza further explained that the suspected woman whose identity he declined to reveal, was arrested over child desertion on March 13, this year. However, instead of detaining the suspect in lawful custody on the night of the arrest, the officer-in-charge of Kyenzige police station led her to his rented room in Kyenzige trading center where he raped her.

The suspect who hails from Kyaterekera town council in Kyaterekera sub-county was arrested on that fateful day for allegedly abandoning her one-year-old baby boy over misunderstandings with her husband.

Hakiza said the victim filed a rape case against the accused officer on March 14, this year after being transferred to Kagadi Police station for further interrogation.

He asserted that Kyuka's file has already been sent to the resident state attorney (RSA) for perusal and sanctioning as further investigations into the matter continue.

‘'We are compiling the necessary exhibits and evidence implicating the officer into the heinous act and I'm optimistic that he will be charged with rape in courts of law as soon as his file is sanctioned with necessary advice from the resident state attorney. I want to assure the general public that no one is above the law,'' said Hakiza.

Romeo Ojara, the Kagadi district Police Commander, said the suspected woman who abandoned her one-year-old baby last week has finally been reunited with her baby and family members in Kyaterekera town council.

‘'After forty-eight legal and mandatory hours of detention, the suspect was bonded and reunited with her baby. Reports indicate that the baby is in good health condition.

Kyuka, while in custody could neither be accessed nor allowed to talk to the press over allegations against him.

Lilian Ruteraho, the Kagadi Resident district commissioner, scoffed at the accused officer and condemned the act saying such unprofessional police officers should be taught a lesson in accordance with the law as a deterrent measure.

‘'I strongly condemn the heinous act and I'm totally astonished by the unprofessional conduct of the police officer who is supposed to be the light of the general public by eliminating wrong elements in society, enforcing the law and order as well as protecting property and lives of people to be the one who instead puts lives of Ugandans at stake,'' she said.

 

She applauded the vigilance of the victim who filed the case prejudicial to her rights by a police officer in spite of being a suspect.