Otuke torture suspects taken to court, granted bail

A couple in Otuke district that in mid-June allegedly tortured a 10-year-old girl to near death has appeared in court, where they were charged with the offence of causing grievous harm.

James Opido, the LC1 chairperson of Tedam village in Olilim sub-county and his wife Middy Akello, the victim's aunt, on Wednesday appeared in Otuke Magistrates' Court, where they pleaded not guilty to the offence.

They allegedly assaulted the girl, a Primary Three pupil of Barkeo Primary School in Otuke district, on June 13, causing her serious injuries. The child is still in hospital, but in fairly stable condition following treatment.

She was admitted to Orum Health Centre IV before being referred to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where she spent more than a month on life support.

The duo applied for bail, which was granted, but were told to report to court on August 26 for mention of the case. James Ogwal Opio, a medical co-ordinator, Bosco Patrick Oola, a social worker and Tony Ojok Obonyo, a legal officer, said the couple should be charged with aggravated torture. Obonyo said he protested to the Otuke state attorney, Whyzum Odongo, who said he would amend the charge.

Following the publication of the story in New Vision last month, a number of individuals and organisations have visited the child and offered assistance.