Police in Kampala have launched investigations into the alleged gang rape of a 22-year-old university student who was reportedly assaulted by three unidentified boda boda riders in the early hours of the weekend while returning home from a birthday party.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, the victim was attacked in Muyenga, a city suburb, after leaving a birthday celebration at a club in Bugolobi at around 4:00 a.m.
Kawala said the student, who resides in Nsangi, Wakiso District, was unfamiliar with the area and initially failed to agree on transport with one boda boda rider. She later secured another rider who accepted Shs15,000 to take her home.
“The first rider declined the fare, but the second accepted. As they moved, the first rider flagged down two other motorcycles which began following the victim,” Kawala said.
Police say the rider later diverted from the agreed route, passing through the Industrial Area before heading towards Muyenga, with the two motorcycles trailing closely behind. The riders reportedly stopped at a dark and isolated spot where the three men allegedly took turns sexually assaulting the victim while she was intoxicated and unable to resist.
After the attack, the suspects fled with her handbag containing cash and two smartphones. The victim was later rescued by passers-by and rushed to hospital for medical attention. She later recorded a statement at Kabalagala Police Station.
Police noted that the incident mirrors a growing pattern of night-time attacks linked to boda boda gangs targeting unsuspecting passengers, particularly young women, across Kampala and surrounding areas.
Last year, several suspects were arrested over similar robberies and sexual assaults involving motorcycle riders who staged fake breakdowns or diverted victims to isolated locations before attacking them.
Uganda Police crime statistics show that sexual and gender-based violence remains a major concern, with more than 13,000 sexual offence cases reported annually, many involving young women. Kampala Metropolitan area continues to record thousands of night-time robberies, a number of which involve boda boda transport.
Police have renewed calls for heightened vigilance, especially during night travel.
“We urge members of the public to avoid moving alone at night and to use trusted boda boda riders or reputable transport services,” Kawala said. “Avoid unfamiliar routes, keep valuables out of sight, and take extra precautions when attending night events.”
Investigations are ongoing as police hunt for the suspects.
