Bugweri, Uganda: A 45-year-old man identified as Vasikoda Igaga is on the run in Bugweri District after allegedly raping his 14-year-old niece while escorting her home following a Christmas holiday visit, according to family accounts.
The incident reportedly occurred at Makandwa Central in Makuutu Sub-county, where Igaga, husband to the victim’s aunt, had offered to transport the teenager and her younger sister back to their home in Namiganda Village, Ibulanku Sub-county.
According to the victim’s mother, Naikoba Deborah, the two girls had been sent to help care for their aunt, Namunana Harriet, who was ill, at the request of the family.
“My sister-in-law asked for my children to help her when she was sick, and I agreed on condition that they would not exceed one week,” Naikoba said. “I later asked for the children to be returned because I was also travelling, but they were released late and delayed on the way until night.”
Naikoba said Igaga deliberately delayed the journey, raising suspicion about his intentions. “While riding the children, he kept delaying them. At some point, he took one child, claiming she should show him the route home, leaving the other behind. That is when he raped her,” she added.
Local residents reportedly became aware of the incident after hearing the younger sister crying, prompting concern and later disclosure of what had happened.
Victim’s Account
The 14-year-old victim corroborated her mother’s account, saying the suspect ignored their repeated pleas to be taken home early.
“He delayed us on the way even when we asked him to hurry. He told me to go and show him the route, but instead raped me after leaving my sister behind,” she recounted.
When contacted for comment, the Busoga East Police Spokesperson, Michael Kasadha, said police had not yet received an official report regarding the alleged rape.
“There is a tendency by some people to speak about incidents without reporting them to police,” Kasadha said. “We ask the victim, with the help of responsible people, to report the matter so that police can follow it up and take action.”
He urged families to formally report sexual violence cases to enable investigations, medical support, and the pursuit of suspects.
The incident has renewed concern over sexual violence within family settings, particularly during festive seasons when children and young people often travel long distances under the care of relatives.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
