Oyam: 17-year-old girl raped after disco

Police are investigating the circumstances under which a 17-year-old girl was gang raped in the North Kyoga region.

The incident occurred recently at the Ochokan cell of Aboke Municipal Council in Oyam District.

Four suspects are currently in the custody of Kole Central Police Station on suspicion of conspiracy and commission of the crime.

They also attacked the victim’s two male friends who were accompanying her home from a disco.

According to police spokesman Fred Enanga, “the 17-year-old victim left the disco around 3 a.m. with two male friends.”

He added: “On their way home, they were attacked by a group of five men armed with pangas. The attackers intimidated and attacked the male friends. They left the girl behind.”

“The suspects then took the girl to the house of an accomplice named Okot, who had left his house for them. The four suspects took turns abusing the girl.”

Enanga said one of the male friends alerted the LC 1 chairman, who quickly responded and informed the police.

“They searched the house and arrested the four suspects along with the victim red-handed,” he stressed.

The arrested suspects are Martin Okello, 23, Bernard Kibota, 25, Patrick Olyang, 23, and Namu Aron, 20.

The victim was rescued and taken to Aboke Hospital for post-rape treatment and therapy.

“Efforts are underway to arrest Okot, the owner of the house, and any other accomplices,” Enanga affirmed.

Highlighting the dangers of night-time activities, Enanga stated: “Anything could have happened to this 17-year-old girl. If you are not sure if you are accompanied at night, it is better to stay at home or at the venue until morning and then go home.”

In Uganda, 50 percent of women are victims of violence.