Africa-Press – Uganda. Court has committed a fisherman to the High Court over rape of a woman.
The accused, Peter Makumbi, who is currently on remand, during a video conferencing session at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, was told by the trial magistrate, Steven Waidhuba, that inquiries into his case are complete.
Court heard from the prosecution that the complainant and accused are both residents of Kawolo fishing camp in Dembe parish, Lwajje Sub County in Buvuma District.
“Since investigations into Makumbi’s case are complete, he is hereby committed to the High Court for trial at a next convenient session,” Mr Waidhuba said.
According to the indictment, on June 3, 2020, at about 8:30am, the complainant went to the bush to pick some brooms. The accused found her there and claimed she had destroyed his fence and cut his trees. He grabbed her and pushed her further into the bush before threatening to cut her.
“The complainant pleaded for forgiveness but the accused told her she had only two options to choose from, either he cuts off her arms or she undresses. She refused both options but the accused ordered her to remove her clothes before raping her,” the indictment reads in part.
The indictment states that after raping her, he cut her clothes into pieces and ordered her to walk away naked which she did. On the way she got some leaves and wrapped them around herself.
It states that a neighbour was on the bush cutting firewood when he saw the complainant covered in leaves, he wanted to run away but she called him and narrated her plight. She requested him to go to her home and pick her some clothes which he did.
It further states that on June 4, 2020, the complainant reported the matter to the Local Council Chairperson, James Wesonge who summoned the accused. The chairman asked the accused if he knew the complainant and confirmed that he knew her and that he found her cutting his trees the previous day.
Police records show that the accused confirmed that he had made the complainant strip naked and that he had sought her forgiveness.
The complainant further reported the matter to the police and the accused was arrested.
On June 15, 2020, the accused was taken for mental examination and found to be in normal mental health.
[email protected]
