Police in Jinja District have arrested a 48-year-old man accused of repeatedly raping women as they returned home from work at night.
The suspect, a mandazi hawker and resident of Wanyange Lake in Budhumbuli-Bugembe, Jinja City, has allegedly been terrorizing women in the area for some time.
According to police, most of his victims had previously feared reporting the assaults due to his threats to kill anyone who exposed him.
Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr James Mubi, confirmed the arrest, explaining that the suspect’s latest victim was attacked on her way home.
‘The suspect threatened to kill the victim if she refused to sleep with him. After he committed the act, she gathered courage and reported the incident to police,’ Mr Mubi said.
He added that the suspect is believed to have assaulted several other women in the same area.
“Some victims reportedly chose to remain silent to protect their identities, as they personally knew the assailant.”
Police have protected the identity of the latest victim, who has appealed to any other women who may have suffered similar attacks to report to Kakira Police Station and help pin the suspect.
Police reaffirmed their commitment to combating gender-based violence and protecting victims of sexual assault through the prompt arrest of perpetrators, speedy case handling, and community sensitisation.