Police Investigating Gulu District Speaker over Defilement

Police is investigating the Gulu District Council Speaker, John Okwonga over allegations of defiling his 14-year-old niece.

The case was reported on 30th May 2019 at Gulu Central Police Station by the victim`s mother, Joan Acen the speaker`s deceased elder brother.

In her statement to police, Acen alleges that Okwonga in March from his house in Laroo Division defiled the minor during a party held at Okwonga's home.

 A case of aggravated defilement is being investigated at Gulu Central Police Station under CRB 762/2019.

On Thursday Okwonga recorded statement and was released on police bond.

Christopher Okello, an uncle to the victim who preferred anonymity says that the incident occurred when the victim went to pick utensils from Okwonga`s house.

He alleges that Okwonga reportedly lured the victim into sexual intercourse but cautioned her not to disclose to people what happened.

Close relatives of the family said that the minor and her mother were living under the care of Okwonga when her father died in 2015.

Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson, says that the case is before the Resident State Attorney-RSA for advice.

This is not the first time that leaders in Gulu district have been implicated in sexual offences.

 In 2018 Samuel Kinyera the Councilor for Layibi-Techo in Layibi division was also arrested for defiling a 14-year pupil of Koro Primary School.

Justine Obol, the Councilor for Laroo Division was also arrested on allegations of raping a restaurant operator from his vehicle.