Michael Acidri, alias Azabo, a boda boda rider in Jinja district, is behind bars at Kakira Central Police Station for allegedly raping his 25-year-old female client.
The victim, whose identity has been withheld, reported that she was traveling from Magamaga Town Council to Bugembe in Jinja City when Acidri requested a transport fee of 3,000 Shillings.
However, she claims that upon reaching Kakira Roundabout, Acidri overturned the motorcycle into a drainage system before repeatedly raping her. She said, “My cries for help landed on deaf ears as it was already past 11:00 PM, amidst limited traffic along the Jinja-Iganga highway, giving Acidri a leeway to rape me unhindered.”
The victim added that she sustained extensive injuries to her private parts, causing both physical and psychological torment. After the assault, she says Acidri beat her up before attempting to strangle her with his shirt, but police personnel from the Integrated Highway Patrol flashed heavy lights in the drainage area, prompting Acidri to attempt to flee the scene.
She explained, “Police officers rounded him up and immediately arrested Acidri while fleeing from the crime scene.” Acidri is currently detained at Kakira Central Police Station, awaiting prosecution on rape-related charges. Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, James Mubi, confirmed the incident and mentioned that the survivor has been taken to the hospital for further medical attention.
Mubi stated, “The suspect was equally subjected to an explicit mental checkup and after confirming his sanity, he has been handed over to detectives for thorough investigations.” He also confirmed that Acidri’s motorcycle, with registration number UFC 998E, has been impounded and exhibits of evidential value have been collected for forensic analysis.
Mubi noted that “The vice of some boda boda riders raping clients seems to be breeding through, with three cases being recorded in the past four months.” To address the issue, Mubi said that they have drafted a police-led sensitization program aimed at rallying boda boda riders to respect the dignity of their clients at all times.
