LC1 arrested for his ‘barbaric command’ to discipline Amolatar girl, 19

Amolatar | In response to a widely circulated video depicting the torture of a 19-year-old girl, law enforcement in Amolatar district is conducting an extensive investigation into several members of the Oumolao clan.

These clan members are suspected of assaulting a 19-year-old girl as well as an elderly man with whom she is accused of sharing a house.

One of the accused is Ocen Bonny, the LCI chairman of Acan Makicingi village, who has been apprehended.

The incident occurred in the village mentioned above, which is located in Opali parish, Opali sub-county, Amolatar.

The report was filed on November 18, 2024, around 1:00 p.m. by Deputy CPL Okello Alex, an officer assigned to the Acen Ryeng Police Station.

Meanwhile, on November 17 and 18, 2024, at an unknown time, the victim, Akwir Annet, was resting in her room when she heard noises outside. “While investigating, she came across her uncle, Opon Nelson, who requested drinking water but then forced his way into the house and lay down,” North Kyoga Region Police PRO SP Jimmy Patrick Okema explained.

Shortly after, SP Okema revealed that Akwir’s brother, Okello Solomon, found Opon’s bicycle outside.

He (Okello) quickly rallied the members of the Oumolao clan, led by Okwir Olobo, and the two victims were confined to the house until the morning.

The victim’s brother claims that they had sexual intercourse.

On November 18, around 8:00 p.m., Okwir Olobo ordered Akwir Annet to be beaten with 20 strokes and demanded shs60,000.

The LCI chairperson also intervened, instructing Awena Alex, Omunu, and Alyenyu to punish both victims with 20 strokes.

The police were notified, and a torture case was officially registered at the Amolatar Central Police Station, according to PRO Okema.

Akwir Annet has been issued a PF3 for medical examination, and as of press time, efforts were being made to locate the second victim, Opon Nelson, in order to issue a PF3 and record his statement.

On Thursday, November 21, 2024, police arrested more than six suspects in connection with the investigation.

Those apprehended include the LC1 chairperson of Acan Makicinge village; Ojok Darius, the secretary to LC1; Alex Awena, the vice clan chief of the Oumolao clan; and Omunu Sam.

Other suspects include Oumolao clan speaker Alyenyu Tonny, an Oumolao clan askari, and Okwir James, also known as Olobo, the male victim’s brother.

The Police have deemed this method of disciplining family members, regardless of any alleged offences, “barbaric.”

“As law enforcement officials, we unequivocally denounce this behaviour and are committed to conducting a thorough investigation,” said SP Okema.

All individuals are currently detained at Amolatar Central Police Station, where statements have been taken and files are being prepared for submission to the Resident State Attorney for review and legal advice on charges of torture.