Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
A woman from Vatican village, Mabonwa in Rukiri sub-county, Ibanda district faced a life-threatening assault when her nephew allegedly attacked her with a machete during a family gathering. The terrifying attack left her with severe injuries and emotional trauma. As the case unfolds in the Ibanda chief magistrate’s court, it sheds light on the gravity of domestic violence and the pursuit of justice for the victim.
Hellen Asiimwe, a 37-year-old woman, was attending a relative’s giveaway party on the evening of June 16, 2023, when her nephew, 24 year old Peter Taremwa, suddenly assaulted her. He attacked her from behind, choking her and wielding a dangerous panga. The brutal attack left her with multiple cuts and injuries.
During the relentless assault, a passerby named Isa Nyesiga noticed the distressing scene. Without hesitation, he intervened and rescued Asiimwe from further harm. Nyesiga arranged for immediate medical assistance and took her to a nearby clinic in Mabonwa trading center.
Asiimwe received crucial first aid at the clinic before being transferred to Uganda Martyrs Hospital in Ibanda, Kagongo, for further treatment. Her injuries were severe, and she spent four days at the hospital, incurring significant medical expenses amounting to approximately UGX 800,000/=.
Asiimwe bravely testified in court, recounting the horrifying attack and showing the scars on her shoulder and face as evidence. Her testimony serves as a vital piece of evidence against Taremwa, who was apprehended by the victim’s relatives the morning after the incident as he attempted to escape. He now faces charges of attempted murder and the wheels of justice.
