Jinja: A 29-year-old boda boda rider, Michael Acidri, also known as Azabo, has been arrested and detained at CPS Kakira for allegedly attempting to rape a 25-year-old female passenger.
The incident occurred on January 12 at around 11 p.m. when the victim boarded Acidri’s motorcycle at the Magamaga town council stage in Mayuge district, heading to Bugembe in Jinja city for three thousand shillings.
In a swift and heroic response, police officers in Jinja arrested Acidri for allegedly attempting to rape the 25-year-old female passenger. Instead of taking her to her destination, Acidri reportedly changed direction and took the victim to a swampy area, where she was attacked.
“Upon reaching Kakira roundabout, Acidri allegedly changed direction and took the victim to a swampy area, where he attacked her,” said SP James Mubi, Kiira Regional Police Publicist, on Tuesday.
Fortunately, the victim’s cries for help were heard by patrolling officers, who swiftly responded to the scene and arrested Acidri. The victim was rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Mubi said that Acidri has been medically examined and deemed to be of sound mind. He also praised the police’s efforts, stating, “This is a great example of the excellent work that our police officers do every day.”
The arrest of Acidri highlights the police’s commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence. The Kiira Regional Police Command has pledged to continue working tirelessly to prevent such crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We are committed to protecting our communities and ensuring that justice is served,” Mubi added.
In a similar incident, Jinja police on May 23, 2024, arrested Ali Kiwanuka, a 29-year-old boda boda rider operating in the districts of Iganga, Mayuge, Luuka, Jinja City, Jinja District, and Njeru Municipality. Kiwanuka had reportedly targeted female passengers with the intention of raping and robbing them.
The 25-year-old victim had sought Kiwanuka’s motorcycle services at Dunlop in Jinja City, en route to Buwenge Town Council in Jinja District for a fare of fifteen thousand shillings at around 8:00 p.m. However, Kiwanuka allegedly attempted to seduce the passenger but was rejected. He then reportedly wrestled her to the ground, tore her underwear, and raped her with the aid of sharp objects. He also robbed her of fifteen thousand shillings and an Infinix mobile phone, which were later recovered during his arrest.
Kiwanuka’s apprehension was made possible through the help of police CCTV cameras, as the victim had clearly recorded the motorcycle’s number plate, UFX 657Z. He was traced and arrested at his residence in Nawanganda Namatoro village, Busede Sub County, Jinja District, Mubi said.
In another incident, in late March 2024, a maid working in Maya, Nsangi, Wakiso District, was allegedly raped by a boda boda rider who was supposed to take her to Kamuli District but instead diverted her into the sugarcane plantations of Kakira. The rider reportedly raped her repeatedly and robbed her of ten thousand shillings and a chapati worth five hundred shillings.
In August 2021, another boda boda rider was accused of raping seven female clients and robbing them of their valuables in Mukono District. The Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, identified him as 30-year-old Asumani Owere, a resident of Kitega village in Kawolo Sub County, Buikwe District. Police said Owere would target unsuspecting female passengers, rape them in isolated areas while threatening them with a knife, and then rob them.
The police’s swift response and bravery have been praised by the community, who are grateful for their dedication to public safety.
The police are urging anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward and report them. The public is also reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
According to Mubi, the Kiira Regional Police Command plans to organize refresher training courses for all boda boda riders to emphasize safety, security, customer service, and the dangers of engaging in criminal activities.