Kampala, Uganda: Police at Kabalagala Police Station are investigating a disturbing case of gang rape reported by a 22-year-old woman who is reported to have been sexually assaulted by three suspected boda boda riders in Muyenga, an upscale suburb of Kampala.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, the victim, a resident of Nsangi in Wakiso District, was attacked in the early hours of Thursday after leaving a birthday party at a club in Bugoloobi at around 4:00 am.
SP Kawala said the woman, who was unfamiliar with the area, first attempted to negotiate transport with one boda boda rider but failed to agree on the fare. She later secured another rider who accepted Shs15,000 to take her home.
“The first rider declined to transport her at the agreed fare, but the second accepted. As they moved, the first rider flagged down two other boda boda riders, who followed the motorcycle carrying the victim,” Kawala said.
Police said the rider later diverted from the agreed route, passing through the Industrial Area before heading towards Muyenga, with the two other motorcycles trailing closely behind.
According to the statement recorded at Kabalagala Police Station, the riders stopped at a dark and isolated location where the three men allegedly took turns sexually assaulting the woman while she was intoxicated and unable to resist.
After the assault, the suspects reportedly fled with the victim’s handbag containing an unspecified amount of cash and two smartphones. She was later rescued by passersby and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
Police said the incident mirrors a pattern of crimes previously linked to motorcycle gangs targeting unsuspecting passengers during night hours across Kampala and the metropolitan area.
Last year, police arrested several suspects connected to a series of robberies and sexual assaults involving boda boda riders. The gangs were known to stage fake mechanical breakdowns in isolated locations, allowing accomplices to surround, rob and assault victims before escaping through alternative routes.
Among those previously arrested were Stephen Sserwanyiri, 34, Robert Mukisa, 24, and their alleged ringleader, Jamir Mutaawe, following the robbery and assault of Enid Naginda, a 24-year-old waitress working at a bar in Kololo.
Police have renewed calls for public vigilance, particularly during night travel. “We urge members of the public to avoid moving alone at night, especially through unfamiliar routes which are prime targets for criminals,” SP Kawala said.
“Those attending night parties should take extra precautions. Use trusted boda boda riders or reputable transport service providers, avoid isolated areas, adjust travel times where possible, and keep valuables such as expensive phones out of sight,” she concluded.
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