Michael Acidri, also known as Azabo, a boda boda rider in Jinja district, is in custody at Kakira Central Police Station after being accused of raping a 25-year-old female passenger.
The victim, whose identity has been withheld, reported that she had hired Acidri to transport her from Magamaga Town Council to Bugembe in Jinja City for a fee of Shs 3,000. However, upon reaching Kakira Roundabout, Acidri allegedly veered his motorcycle into a drainage channel, where he repeatedly raped her.
“My cries for help went unanswered as it was already past 11:00 pm, and there was limited traffic along the Jinja-Iganga highway,” the victim recounted.
She added that the assault left her with severe injuries to her private parts, causing immense physical and psychological trauma.
After the attack, Acidri allegedly beat her and attempted to strangle her with his shirt. However, security personnel from the integrated highway patrol intervened, flashing lights into the drainage area and prompting Acidri to flee. The police officers apprehended him as he tried to escape.
Kiira Regional Police spokesperson James Mubi confirmed the incident, stating that Acidri is being held on rape charges and that the victim is receiving medical care.
“The suspect has undergone a mental health checkup, and after confirming his sanity, detectives have taken over investigations,” Mubi said.
Acidri’s motorcycle, bearing registration number UFC 998E, has been impounded, and exhibits of evidential value have been collected for forensic analysis.
Mubi expressed concern over an increase in cases of boda boda riders assaulting their clients, with three such incidents reported in the past four months.
To address the issue, police have initiated a sensitization program targeting boda boda riders.
