The Uganda Police Force has published the latest information about arrests made over the anit corruption protests. Between July 22 and July 25, 2024, a series of attempts to stage a protest march to Parliament in Kampala led to a substantial police response and numerous arrests.
On July 22, nine demonstrators were detained and charged with common nuisance and traffic regulation violations. They were promptly taken to court.
The following day, July 23, saw an increase in arrests, with a total of 75 individuals apprehended. Of these, 74 were taken to court, while one suspect remains in police custody.
By July 24, three more protesters were arrested on charges of common nuisance and subsequently brought to court.
On July 25, the police detained sixteen people. Thirteen of them were taken to court, while three are still being held in police custody.
In total, 104 individuals were arrested during this period. Out of these, 100 have been taken to court, and 13 had prior criminal charges against them. The police continue to handle the cases of those still in custody and investigate the events leading to these arrests.
In other police news, a group of police officers has successfully completed the United Nations Individual Police Officers Pre-Deployment Training at the Uganda Police Force’s ICT Research and Innovation Centre in Kikandwa.
The training was designed to prepare the officers for their upcoming deployment to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Commissioner of Police James Ruhweza, who serves as the Commissioner for Operations in the Uganda Police Force, addressed the officers during the closing ceremony. He highlighted the importance of adhering to the core values and principles of the United Nations in their forthcoming mission.
Police Inspector General Abbas Byakagaba announced that he, along with senior police officials, held a meeting with representatives from the National Forensic Science University’s Jinja campus. The primary goal of this meeting was to enhance the partnership between the Uganda Police Force and the university.
Byakagaba highlighted the importance of this collaboration in improving forensic science capabilities and ensuring more effective investigations. The strengthened partnership aims to benefit both institutions by leveraging academic expertise and practical police experience to advance forensic science and support law enforcement efforts in Uganda.
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has firmly denied recent allegations of misconduct involving accusations of sodomy. In a statement issued by the police, they described these claims as baseless and part of an ongoing propaganda effort against the institution.
According to the UPF, the allegations are unfounded and do not reflect the true practices of the force. The police emphasized their commitment to upholding the rights of suspects and taking their responsibilities seriously. They urged those spreading these claims to cease, asserting that such actions only serve to tarnish the reputation of the police force.
The UPF underscored the importance of professionalism and integrity in their service to the Ugandan people. They called for constructive dialogue and cooperation, stating that unwarranted attacks undermine their efforts to maintain high standards and protect citizens’ rights.
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has condemned the lack of intervention by onlookers during recent violent attacks. In their statement, the police highlighted the critical need for increased community vigilance and support in such situations.
The UPF expressed disappointment with the passive response of bystanders who witnessed the attacks but did not intervene. They stressed that such apathy undermines efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety.
The police called on community members to be more proactive in supporting law enforcement efforts. They emphasized that collaboration between the public and the police is essential for maintaining safety and addressing criminal activities effectively.
