Ugandan pastor accused of raping Latvian woman arrested

By Hamza Kyeyune

KAMPALA, Uganda, (AA) - Uganda police on Tuesday said they arrested a pastor accused of rape and fraud by a Latvian woman.

The 36-year-old Latvian, identified as Anda, accused pastor Joseph Collins Twahirwa of raping her during her visit to Uganda late last year.

The victim claimed the pastor also defrauded her of money and had her passport confiscated, adding that the police did not help her when she tried to file a case.

The three officers who handled the case at the Jinja road police station in Kampala have also been arrested, and face charges of irregular conduct.

The victim accuses them of locking her up in a cell and forcing her to sign a statement acknowledging receipt of payment of all her money and withdrawal of the case against the preacher.

The police’s criminal investigations department has now taken over the case, and has asked anyone with similar complaints against the preacher to report to them.

Hundreds of Ugandans have complained about the “business of gospel” led by enterprising preachers, who ask church members to make exorbitant contributions for these “prophets” to turn their misfortunes into miracles.