Lira, Uganda | Police in Lira City West Division have arrested six suspects following a horrifying night attack in which a 20-year-old woman was assaulted by multiple assailants in two separate incidents within hours.
The woman, a businesswoman from Aminyanga Cell in Amuca Ward, had been walking home with friends after a night out when their group was ambushed at around 1:00am in Owiti Cell by more than ten men.
According to police, the attackers overpowered the group and dragged the woman into a nearby bush, where several of them allegedly raped her before fleeing the scene.
In a shocking continuation of the ordeal, the victim was reportedly attacked again about an hour later in Olago Cell by two other men as she struggled to reach safety.
Her companions, who managed to escape during the initial ambush, alerted police, triggering an intelligence-led operation that led to the swift arrest of six suspects, including two juveniles.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema said the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with a manhunt underway for others still at large.
The survivor has since received medical attention, while Scene of Crime Officers documented the scenes and collected forensic evidence to aid prosecution.
The incident has sent shockwaves across Lira City, with residents raising concern over safety during late-night hours and calling for increased security patrols.
In a separate operation the same day, police uncovered a suspected motorcycle theft and forgery racket in the same division.
A 54-year-old businessman operating a second-hand motorcycle dealership in Ojwina ‘A’ Ward was arrested after investigators linked his premises to a motorcycle stolen from Kampala.
The stolen motorcycle was first tracked to Gulu District, where a rider led police to the Lira-based dealer, claiming he had purchased it from there.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of 12 motorcycles, more than 100 suspected forged logbooks, and assorted spare parts, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the business.
Police say the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue, while the recovered motorcycles are pending verification by the Uganda Revenue Authority.
Members of the public who have lost motorcycles have been urged to report to police with proper documentation to assist in identification.
Authorities say investigations into both cases are ongoing, with more arrests expected.
