How UPDF chief held three girls of the same family captive for sexual purposes

ALEBTONG – A Ugandan army officer is under investigation for allegedly trafficking and sexually abusing three teenage girls in Alebtong District.

Staff Sergeant Too-Dwong Alex, based in Moroto, is accused of posing as a recruiter for the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and convincing the girls’ father, Abal Alfred, to hand them over.

The girls – Akullu Semi Gift, 18, Akullu Racheal, 18, and Abote Lucy, 17 – were allegedly forced into sexual exploitation.

Patrick Jimmy Okema, North Kyoga Police Spokesperson, confirmed the investigation.

“The suspect received 2.7 million Ugandan shillings (around $730) from the father, promising to enlist the girls into the UPDF,” Mr. Okema said.

According to Mr. Okema, Staff Sergeant Too-Dwong went to the family’s home on July 6, claiming he could secure the girls’ recruitment into the UPDF.

The girls were rescued last week after a tip-off from a concerned citizen.

Their father reported the incident to the police on October 13.

“The victims claimed they were subjected to sexual abuse, denied contact with the outside world, and threatened with violence if they revealed the officer’s actions,” Mr. Okema added.

The police are working to transfer Staff Sergeant Too-Dwong to Alebtong District for further investigation and prosecution.

This case highlights concerns about exploitation within Uganda’s security forces.

Uganda has been working to combat human trafficking, with efforts focused on prevention, prosecution, and protection of victims.

The country’s Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2009 prohibits trafficking in persons, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and child marriage.