The police in Mityana have taken seven people into custody after a distressing video circulated online, showing a woman enduring apparent torture, including burns to her feet. The incident, which occurred in Namuzikiza village, Watuba parish, Kikandwa sub-county, allegedly revolves around suspicions of a stolen pig.
Racheal Kawala, the Police public relations officer overseeing the Wamala region, confirmed the arrests. The suspects are currently detained at Mityana Central Police Station, awaiting legal proceedings.
According to Kawala, the victim, Muhirwe Kolodina, a 29-year-old bar attendant, found herself at the center of the ordeal. She had previously been married to James Lukiiko for six years, but their marriage ended in January 2024 due to disagreements. On the day of the incident, April 28, 2024, Kolodina went to retrieve food from her former husband’s land when accusations of pig theft were levied against her.
The situation escalated as James Lukiiko and others, including the area defense officer James Kalanzi and Betty Namusoke, allegedly restrained Kolodina and subjected her to torture. The brutal act, which took place at the home of the area chairperson, Steven Kiwanuka, involved burning Kolodina with a jerrycan as the perpetrators demanded information about the missing pig. Following the ordeal, Kolodina was left abandoned in a bush but was later rescued by a motorcyclist who took her to the police station.
The distressing incident was captured on video and circulated widely on social media platforms. Kolodina provided a statement to the authorities and received medical attention at Namayumba Health Center IV. The suspects, including Kiwanuka, Lukiiko, George Kezimbira, Lwabye, and Namusoke, are now held at Mityana Police Station as investigations continue.
Kawala emphasized the police’s commitment to addressing cases of torture and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
