SERERE DISTRICT: A somber mood has engulfed Serere Town Council following the gruesome murder of Abiro Rebecca Viola, a Senior Three student at Serere Township Secondary School. The incident, which occurred last night, has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the alarming rise in gender-based violence in the area.
According to Mathew Emeru, the LCI of Township Cell, Kakus Ward, Serere Town Council, the deceased was found dead under unclear circumstances. She was a resident of Akuja Parish in Kyere Sub County. While details of the incident remain scarce, police have yet to issue an official statement.
This tragic incident is the latest in a string of murders targeting women in Serere, leaving the community in shock and calling for urgent action to address the escalating violence. The murder of Abiro Rebecca Viola has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of women and girls in the area.
Some residents are demanding concrete measures from authorities to prevent such incidents and ensure justice for victims and their families.
“We are deeply disturbed by the increasing cases of violence against women in our community,” said Emeru. “We urge the police and other relevant authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Another resident added, “We cannot sit back and watch our daughters being killed. Authorities must act swiftly to apprehend those responsible and put an end to these horrific crimes.”
Serere District has seen an alarming rise in gender-based violence, particularly against women and young girls. Reports indicate a disturbing pattern of attacks, many of which remain unresolved. Local leaders and human rights activists have repeatedly called for urgent interventions to curb this trend.
In July 2024, Women and Girls Rights Advocacy-Uganda (WAGRAU) reported that within a single month, at least four women were murdered by their estranged partners in the district. Between January 21 and May 31, 2024, records show 77 cases of sexual assault and 137 instances of physical violence against females. These figures underscore a deeply rooted problem requiring immediate and comprehensive intervention.
Deborah Akello, Executive Director of WAGRAU, stressed the urgent need to tackle break-up violence and safeguard the rights of women and girls. She highlighted how a culture of impunity and inadequate law enforcement has emboldened perpetrators, making it imperative for authorities to enforce laws strictly and protect vulnerable individuals.
The body of the deceased has been taken to Serere HCIV for a postmortem examination.
