crime 16 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Gulu Woman Alleges Herbalist Raped Her Multiple Times for Epilepsy 'Cure', Resulting in Pregnancy
A 31-year-old woman testified in Gulu High Court that herbalist Alfred Oryem raped her three times in 2018, claiming sex was needed to treat her epilepsy, leading to her pregnancy and birth of a six-year-old child. The case continues with more witnesses expected. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/woman-tells-court-herbalist-raped-her-repeatedly-claiming-it-would-cure-epilepsy-5392606
A 31-year-old woman has accused traditional herbalist Alfred Oryem of Payuta Village, Awach Sub-County in Gulu District, of repeated rape during a supposed epilepsy treatment in 2018.
Testifying before High Court Judge Lillian Alum Omara, the victim, whose identity is protected, said Oryem convinced her that sexual intercourse was essential for curing her condition. She stayed at his home from August to November 2018 and alleged he had sex with her on three occasions.
“He would take me to his house, undress me and have sex with me. He told me not to tell anyone about it,” she stated, adding that Oryem warned disclosure would ruin her recovery.
The abuse resulted in pregnancy, and she gave birth to a now six-year-old child. Her brother, a prosecution witness, recounted how Oryem approached their family in August 2018 offering to heal his sister. The family noticed her physical changes later, leading to her admission that Oryem was responsible.
The case was reported to Awach Central Police Station, and medical tests at Awach Health Centre IV confirmed a three-month pregnancy. Prosecutor Patricia Adyedo noted the abuse persisted until conception.
Oryem, defended by lawyer Samuel Openy, denies the charges and challenges claims of force or coercion. So far, the victim, her brother, and mother have testified, with a police officer and healthcare worker scheduled for April 1, 2026.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)