A disturbing case has emerged involving allegations of rape against a young Ugandan woman, Ms. Jane Lusita, reportedly perpetrated by two Chinese nationals, Eric Chen and Jason.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice amid claims of interference with investigations.
According to a letter addressed to the National Lottery and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) by Mukiri Ishmael who is known to the victim, who was employed at De Panthère Casino, she was allegedly lured by the two Chinese nationals to Oceanic apartment in Kololo, Kampala under the pretense of helping them with laundry.
Once there, she was reportedly offered a drink laced with an unknown drug, causing her to lose consciousness.
Upon regaining awareness, she discovered she had been sexually assaulted and was bleeding from her private parts.
Her family immediately took action by reporting the case to the Jinja Road Police Station under reference number 58 REF 02/12/03/2024.
However, the suspects have not been brought to justice, with allegations surfacing that efforts to investigate the matter have been thwarted due to external interference.
Police Medical Report confirms Rape
A medical examination conducted by Uganda Police medical doctor further corroborates the allegations.
The official police medical form (Form 3A) indicates that Ms. Lusita Jane underwent an examination on March 12, 2024, confirming signs rape.
The document, signed by a certified medical officer, provides forensic evidence supporting her claims, strengthening calls for immediate action against the accused.
Call for Action
Mukiri Ishmael’s letter urged the National Lottery and Gaming Regulatory Board to intervene, assist the victim in obtaining justice, and facilitate medical compensation for the damages suffered.
The letter emphasized that the case had not progressed despite being formally reported, raising concerns over potential obstruction of justice.
In response, the NLGRB acknowledged receipt of the complaint in an official letter dated December 18, 2024.
However, the Board clarified that their jurisdiction is limited to investigating complaints related to lotteries, gaming, betting, and casinos.
They advised Mukiri Ishmael to escalate the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Kampala Metropolitan Police, as sexual assault is classified as a capital offense, falling outside the Board’s mandate.
Justice Delayed?
The response from the NLGRB highlights a growing concern over the handling of criminal cases involving foreign nationals in Uganda. While the Board directed the complainants to the appropriate authorities, the lack of immediate action against the accused has fueled public concern over potential favoritism or legal loopholes benefiting expatriates at the expense of local citizens.
To make matters worse, the whereabouts of the Chinese remain unknown. But it’s believed they are in Uganda conducting business as usual.
Cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual assault remain a pressing issue in Uganda, with many victims struggling to obtain justice due to institutional bottlenecks, fear of retaliation, and the influence of powerful perpetrators.
What’s Next?
With the NLGRB directing the matter to the CID, the ball is now in the hands of Police to pursue the accused and be brought to book. The victim and her family continue to push for justice, hoping that their case will not be another statistic in the long list of unresolved sexual assault cases.
