The in charge CID at Namusita police post in Buyende District, Detective Inspector of Police (D/IP) Godfrey Balikowa, has been dismissed from the police force after facing accusations of scandalous behavior. The allegations stem from the rape of a 30 year old housewife who had sought police assistance to report a case of domestic violence involving her husband.
The victim, a resident of Kalambo village in Ndolwe sub-county, reported that she was sexually assaulted by Officer Balikowa on two occasions at Nakabira police barracks on October 12 of this year. The incident occurred when a team of three police officers went to the victim’s home to apprehend her husband, who was not present at the time. Fearing to return home until her husband was arrested, the victim was persuaded by Officer Balikowa to accompany him, under the pretence of finding her a place to stay for the night. Instead, he took her to his residence, provided her with food and drinks, and proceeded to sexually assault her.
Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, confirmed the victim’s account of the events. The following day, D/IP Balikowa dropped the victim near Namusita police post, promising to apprehend her husband. Subsequently, the husband was arrested, and a statement was recorded from both parties. The husband was held accountable for the assault he had committed against his wife and was made to cover her medical expenses.
The victim later reported her second case of rape, leading to the arrest of Officer Balikowa. Mr. Enanga emphasized that the victim was particularly vulnerable when the alleged assault took place, and he urged all female victims and suspects at police stations to exercise caution when interacting with officers of the opposite sex.
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) expressed strong condemnation of such abuses of authority within the force, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against acts of sexual violence towards vulnerable women. The suspected officer is expected to face legal proceedings on charges of rape.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another dismissal within the police force. Inspector of Police (IP) Thomas Otim, aged 49, was dismissed for allegedly defiling a 21-month-old toddler. Otim was accused of luring the child, who happened to be a neighbor’s daughter, to his room at Arua Central police station, where he allegedly sexually abused her. Forensic examination confirmed the defilement, with detectives collecting Otim’s fingerprints and other evidence from the scene.
Remarkably, Otim held the position of heading the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) in the West Nile region, based at Arua Central police station. PSU serves as the police force’s disciplinary arm, responsible for investigating police officers involved in crimes against operational procedures and standing orders. Otim, however, will now face a full criminal trial in the civilian justice system.
