A Ugandan MP is at the centre of a domestic violence investigation, following an alleged altercation with her ex-husband’s wife and two other individuals.
Judith Peace Acan, the Woman MP for Nwoya, is accused of assaulting her ex-husband’s wife at his home in Alelele cell, Koch Goma town council, on 5 January.
According to Patrick Okello, the local council chairperson, Ms Acan visited her ex-husband’s home to retrieve a vehicle, but the encounter turned violent.
“Our Woman MP, Judith Peace Acan, visited my village to confront her ex-husband at his home in Alelele Cell,” Mr Okello told the BBC. “She appeared to be attempting to retrieve a vehicle that her former husband had purchased for her, but it resulted in a fight with the co-wife.”
However, Ms Acan denies the allegations, claiming she was only returning the vehicle to her ex-husband. She alleges that she was attacked by seven people, including her ex-husband’s wife, children, and brother.
“I did not pursue her,” Ms Acan said. “I arrived at my children’s grandmother’s place to hand over the car. When Achiro Jennifer, who is married to Colonel Koch, began fighting us with soldiers she had brought, Amos’ wife, along with her children and brother, joined the attack.”
The police have confirmed that they are investigating the incident, and both Ms Acan and her ex-husband’s wife have been charged with assault.
SSP Richard Anyama, the Nwoya district police commander, told the BBC that the police are taking the allegations seriously.
“I’m gathering information regarding what occurred on January 5, 2025, around midday, when the honourable Member of Parliament brought a vehicle purportedly belonging to her ex-husband,” Mr Anyama said. “A scuffle erupted, and both individuals are now charged with assault. We are investigating both cases concurrently.”
The incident has raised concerns about domestic violence and the conduct of public figures.
Yassine Opio, a local resident, criticised Ms Acan’s actions, saying she should have involved the police instead of taking matters into her own hands.
“Acan’s actions were despicable,” Mr Opio said. “If her intentions were sincere, she should have taken the vehicle to Nwoya police or reported it to the police in Koch Goma town council.”
This is not the first time Ms Acan has been involved in a high-profile dispute. In 2022, she was accused by her ex-husband of stealing 1.2 billion shillings and an ambulance vehicle, a case that remains pending in the High Court in Kampala.
