By Peter Luzinda
The Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala, has revealed that the force is investigating the alleged rape of a 22 year old woman by three unidentified boda boda men in Muyenga, a Kampala suburb.
Kawala noted that the woman, a resident of Nsangi, Wakiso District was attacked after leaving a birthday party at a club in Bugolobi at around 4am, Thursday morning.
According to Kawala, the 22 year old victim who was unfamiliar with the area, initially attempted to negotiate transport with one boda boda rider but failed to agree on the fare. She later secured another rider who accepted Shs 15,000 to take her home
“The first rider declined to take her at the agreed fare, but the second accepted. As they proceeded, the first rider flagged down two other individuals, and they followed the motorcycle carrying the victim,” Kawala said.The rider is then said to have 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 victim’s statement recorded at Kabalagala police station, the riders stopped at a dark and isolated location where the three men allegedly took turns assaulting her while she was intoxicated and unable to resist.
After the attack, the suspects reportedly fled with her handbag, which contained cash and two smartphones. The victim was later rescued by passersby and rushed to hospital for medical attention.
Police said the incident bears similarities to previous crimes linked to motorcycle gangs that target unsuspecting passengers at night across Kampala and its metropolitan areas.
Last year, police arrested several suspects connected to a string of robberies and sexual assaults involving boda boda riders.