Five Oumolao clan members sentence for torture

The Amolatar Grade One Magistrate Court has sentenced the individuals responsible for the assault on Akwir Hanna and her uncle to a term of twenty months.

The court, under the leadership of the Dokolo Grade One Magistrate, determined that the defendants were guilty of the crime of torture. Among those convicted include Sam Omunu, the Speaker of Oumolao Clan; Alex Awena, the Vice Clan Chief; Tonny Alyeno, James Okwir, Bonny Ocen, the LC1 Chairperson of Acanmakicinge village, and his defense secretary Darius Ojok.

Upon their arrival in the dock, the charges were presented to them, and they all acknowledged their involvement.

They were apprehended after a video emerged on Monday, showing the victim, Annet Akwir, being beaten with sticks while one man stepped on her head in Acanmakacinga village, Opali Sub-county.

In the two-minute video, the victim is seen enduring physical assault as the men lash her with sticks.

According to reports, Akwir and her uncle, Nelson Opon, were subjected to this violent act by clan members, who allegedly were following orders from their leaders for having committed incest.

The incident is said to have occurred on the night of November 17, 2024, when Akwir noticed movement outside her house.

Upon checking, she found her uncle, Opon, who reportedly asked for drinking water before entering her home.

Akwir’s brother, Solomon Okello, later discovered Opon’s bicycle outside the house, raising suspicions and prompting an alarm that mobilized the clan.

The two victims were allegedly locked in the house overnight, accused of engaging in sexual misconduct. The following morning, clan leader James Okwir reportedly ordered the beating of Akwir, who received 20 lashes and a fine of Shs 60,000. LC1 Chairperson Bonny Ocen, who also appeared in the video, instructed additional punishment, with both victims receiving 20 more lashes each.

The case was reported to Amolatar Central Police Station, where a torture case was filed. North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, condemned the actions, describing them as a “barbaric approach” to discipline.

Police have issued medical forms to Akwir, and efforts are ongoing to locate Opon, the male victim.

“This is a very barbaric approach to disciplining family members, even if they are suspected of wrongdoing. We strongly condemn this act and are committed to leaving no stone unturned in this investigation,” said SP Okema.

Incest is explicitly prohibited in Uganda under Section 149 of the Penal Code Act, which criminalizes sexual intercourse between closely related individuals.

The law provides for severe penalties, including life imprisonment for those involved with victims under 18. In addition to legal ramifications, incest is seen as a severe cultural taboo in many Ugandan communities, often leading to ostracism.

In the Lango community, where the incident occurred, incest can attract punishment from cultural leaders, often followed by ritualistic consequences.