VHT arrested over rape of 13 year old girl

By Denis Okello (denis.okello@vol.co.ug)

Otuke

The grade one magistrate court in Otuke yesterday remanded a member of the Village Health Team in Adwari Sub County over rape of 13 year old girl.

On 2/4/2023, locals of Omuku in Okere parish arrested Akaca Tony a VHT of Omuku red handed raping the 13 year old minor on her father’s bed.

Akaca is said to be a close friend to the girl’s father and on the day of her rape, the former had gone to church with the girl’s father on Palm Sunday but left him behind and returned home to rape his daughter.

A local who pleaded for anonymity said Akaca sent the minor to fetch him drinking water but when she entered the house, he followed her and forced himself on her.

The minor however made an alarm which attracted neighbors who came to her rescue and arrested Akaca.

The minor was rushed to Okwongo Health Center III for treatment.

A health worker at Okwongo HCIII said Akaca has been on HIV treatment and girl was given PEP to limit her chances of contracting HIV.

Adwari Sub County chairman Simon Obong Opio said Akaca was arrested by police from Otuke central police station and he was charged with aggravated rape.

The suspect appeared before the grade one magistrate court in Otuke, his worship Seruwo Benjamin Martin and he was remanded to Lira government prison.

Obong Opio said Akaca acknowledged raping the minor.