The Uganda Police has in custody a city pastor and three of its officers involved in a case in which a Latvian National was rapped.
In a complaint that was launched at CID HeadQuarters in Kibuli, on January 5, 2023, Saulite Anda a Latvian National residing at Lukulu Zone Makindye Division, Kamplala district then alleged that she was invited to Uganda for a tour by one Pentecostal Pastor Twahirwa Joseph Collins of the MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL located at Bugoloobi. And upon her arrival at his home on the early morning of December 12, 2022, he allegedly raped, took her money 400 Euros and 300 USD, Passport LV4336528 and Visa No. 251989399.
According to ACP Claire Nabakka S, the Deputy PRO of Uganda Police, the victim first recorded a case at Jinja Road Police station and a General Enquiry File (GEF) was opened up. The suspect was summoned and he was able to handover her travel documents and signed for Ugandan shillings which she could not understand.
“She was tormented by Police Officers at Jinja Road who allegedly roughed her up and locked her in a cell and later made to sign an additional statement acknowledging receipt of the payment of all her money and withdrawal of the case against the Pastor,” she said
Adding that the CID Headquarters has since taken over the investigations. The suspect was summoned, made a statement and given a Police Bond. Our best team is on this and will investigate the matter to its conclusion. The file has been forwarded to the State Attorney for legal advice.
It is saddening that Ms Saulite Anda did not get to experience the great hospitality of the Ugandan people, the unique scenery that she had dreamt of experiencing.
Key developments;
1) The Police bond of the suspect was cancelled and is now under Police custody.
2) On 15th January 2023, three police officers at Jinja road that acted unprofessionally have been arrested and are to be charged with Irregular conduct, under Code 12, sec 44 of the Police Act. These include
33200 D/Sgt Oyera Doreen, 37383 D/Cpl Akite Judith and 46633 D/Cpl Ailigat Joyce
3) The victim has been transferred to a safe and convenient accommodation to ensure her safety.
4) Her travel has been extended at the cost of the state to allow thorough investigations.
We call on all those that may have similar complaints against the Pastor to report to CID Hqrs for further investigation.
We thank the Media team that covered the story and pledge to work with them to ensure its conclusion to fair Justice.
We take cases of SGBV seriously and pledge to professionally handle this and any other cases reported.
