By Mike Rwothomio

Zombo: Local leaders have strongly condemned the alleged gang rape of a teenage girl in Zombo District, which occurred in the early hours of June 21, 2025, in Mawa Cell, Omua Ward, Paidha Town Council.

Gang rape is considered an aggravated form of sexual violence, often carrying severe penalties, including life imprisonment or, in extreme cases, the death penalty.

The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety of young women in the area.

The victim, a recent school dropout from Jupagatha, Mvungu Cell, Dwonga Ward, Paidha Town Council, was reportedly attacked by a group of unidentified gangbangers while returning home from a night disco.

According to local leaders, the perpetrators, described as a group of approximately five males, took advantage of the victim's intoxicated state after she consumed alcohol provided by friends.

Residents discovered the victim unconscious, naked, and abandoned in a coffee plantation, left in critical condition. She regained consciousness hours later after receiving medical attention facilitated by local leaders. Her parents were subsequently informed of the incident.

In a heartfelt interview, the victim, visibly traumatized and speaking with a trembling voice, recounted her ordeal: “I went to the disco, and my friends gave me alcoholic drinks. After drinking, I became drunk and lost my sense of direction. Some boys, about five in number, pretended to escort me but instead raped me.”

Geoffrey Aliana Oryem, the male district councillor for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and LCI chairperson of Mawa Cell, confirmed the incident and condemned it in the strongest terms. 

“The young girl was gang-raped and left for dead. She was found by an elderly woman who covered her with clothes,” Oryem stated.

Aliana Oryem warned perpetrators, “We know some of the youths involved in these illicit acts. They will face the law one day.”

The victim’s mother, whose identity is withheld, expressed shock and sorrow: “She sneaked out without our knowledge. She recently dropped out of school, and we are devastated by this incident. We believe she will recover with time.”

According to activists, the low conviction rates and underreporting of such cases due to stigma and distrust in authorities remain significant barriers to addressing this crime.

Call to Action

Local leaders, including Oryem, have urged parents to monitor their children closely and emphasized the need for community vigilance to curb such crimes.

The incident in Zombo underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies and community education to prevent sexual violence and support survivors.

A UNICEF report estimates that over 79 million girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda, have experienced rape or sexual assault before age 18, underscoring the pervasive nature of sexual violence.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa