A 38-year-old male nurse has been charged with rape after allegedly having forceful sexual intercourse with a 7-month pregnant woman in Rukiga District. The accused, Darius Orikiriza, who is employed as a male enrolled nurse and a sonographer at Mparo Health Centre IV, was arrested on Monday and brought before the Kabale chief magistrate, Mr. Derick Byamugisha.

During the court hearing on Friday, the state prosecution, led by Julie Najjunju, alleged that Orikiriza had sexual intercourse with an adult woman without her consent. The accused was not allowed to take a plea as the offence is considered capital in nature and falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. He was subsequently remanded to Ndorwa government prison located in Kabale town.

The prosecution’s case states that on August 21, 2023, around 1:30 pm, Orikiriza allegedly forced the victim, a 20-year-old woman who was 7 months pregnant, into a sexual act while she had come to Mparo Health Centre IV for a medical checkup and scan. The victim immediately reported the incident to the facility’s in-charge, who then informed the police, leading to Orikiriza’s arrest.

The accused will now need to apply for bail before the High Court of Uganda, as advised by the Kabale chief magistrate. The case highlights the serious allegations of sexual assault and the importance of proper legal proceedings to address such offenses.