In response to a Latvian national’s alarming revelations about being reportedly raped by Ugandan Pastor Twahirwa Joseph Collins, the Uganda Police Force has issued a statement. According to a police statement, Saulite Anda, a resident of Lukulu Zone, Makindye Division, Kampala District, and a citizen of Latvia, complained to the CID Headquarters in Kibuli on January 5, 2023.
In Kampala District’s Lukulu Zone, Makindye Division, Saulite Anda, a Latvian national, filed a complaint at the CID Head Quarters in Kibuli on January 5, 2023. She claimed that Pentecostal Pastor Twahirwa Joseph Collins of MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL, based in Bugoloobi, had sexually assaulted her after inviting her to Uganda for a tour.
According to the police, Anda was allegedly raped by the Pastor after she arrived at his Bugoloobi home early on December 12th, 2022, and that he also took her money, including 400 Euros, 300 USD, her passport (LV4336528), and her visa (No. 251989399).
“Upon her arrival at his home in Bugoloobi on the early morning of 12th December 2022, she alleges to have been raped and her money 400 Euros and 300 USD, Passport LV4336528 and Visa No. 251989399 confiscated by the Pastor. The victim first recorded a case at Jinja Road Police station and a General Enquiry File (GEF) was opened up. Reads part of Police statement.
Police said that after being called, the suspect was able to hand up her travel documents and sign for money in Ugandan shillings that she did not comprehend. Police officers at Jinja Road allegedly beat her up and imprisoned her after which she was tortured.
“The suspect was summoned and he was able to handover her travel documents and signed for Ugandan shillings which she could not understand. That she was tormented by Police Officers at Jinja Road who allegedly roughed her up and locked her in a cell and later made to sign an additional statement acknowledging receipt of the payment of all her money and withdrawal of the case against the Pastor”. Police adds.
The investigations have since been taken over by Police CID Headquarters, and the suspect was called in, asked to provide a statement, and issued a police bond. The State Attorney has been consulted regarding the file.
However, in light of recent events, police are now in charge of the following actions:
1) The Police bond of the suspect was cancelled and is now under Police custody.
2) On 15th January 2023, three police officers at Jinja road that acted unprofessionally have been arrested and are to be charged with Irregular conduct, under Code 12, sec 44 of the Police Act. These include: 33200 D/Sgt Oyera Doreen, 37383 D/Cpl Akite Judith and 46633 D/Cpl Ailigat Joyce
3) The victim has been transferred to a safe and convenient accommodation to ensure her safety.
4) Her travel has been extended at the cost of the state to allow thorough investigations.
