Bobi Wine, President of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), has spoken out against the violent arrests and alleged sexual assaults of young anti-corruption protesters. He stated that several young people who were recently arrested have reported being raped by the men who detained them.
Bobi Wine highlighted that many NUP and People Power supporters have been abducted in the past and subjected to rape while in detention. He noted that both male and female victims have reported these assaults, though many are too afraid or ashamed to speak publicly about their experiences.
Among those who have courageously come forward with their stories and medical evidence are Ronald Mayega, Alex Kalyowa, and Mukasa Joseph. Bobi Wine emphasized that the number of female victims is particularly large, though many remain silent due to fear and stigma.
He accused the current regime of protecting the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. Bobi Wine expressed shame and outrage that the Museveni administration continues to use sexual violence as a means of torture and control, drawing parallels to the Northern Uganda war, where similar tactics were used.
Bobi Wine called for accountability for these crimes against humanity, insisting that the perpetrators must be brought to justice. He emphasized the need for a transparent investigation and urged victims to come forward and share their stories to help end this cycle of violence.
Activist Jimmy Spire has raised alarming allegations about the treatment of young anti-corruption protesters by police officers. According to Spire, some of the recently released detainees have reported being subjected to anal rape, also known as sodomy, while in police custody. Spire further claims that another young man from the National Unity Platform (NUP) reported similar abuse, with additional reports of his teeth being knocked out.
Spire’s statements questioned the integrity of a government that publicly claims to combat homosexuality but is accused of employing sexual violence as a form of torture. He expressed outrage at what he describes as the perversion of police duty, questioning how male officers could engage in such acts and suggesting that this represents a troubling shift in police conduct.
Spire’s accusations have ignited a debate about human rights and the ethical conduct of law enforcement in Uganda. He has challenged the police force, asking when they became an institution associated with such acts and pointed out the disturbing nature of these allegations.
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has responded to the allegations of sexual violence made by activist Jimmy Spire. In a statement, the police have rejected the accusations, labeling them as unfounded and part of an ongoing campaign against the institution.
The UPF asserted that it is committed to respecting the rights of suspects and takes its responsibilities seriously. They accuse Spire of spreading false narratives and misleading propaganda that, according to them, tarnishes the reputation of the police force.
The police force urged critics to cease spreading what they term as malicious lies and baseless allegations. They stressed that such actions are unprofessional and unethical, and they called for constructive engagement with the UPF to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights.
They argued that unfounded attacks only serve to undermine the important work they perform for the Ugandan people.
| Issue | Response from Police |
|---|---|
| Accusations | Denied as unfounded and part of a propaganda campaign |
| Police’s Stance | Claims to respect suspects’ rights and uphold responsibilities |
| Call to Critics | Urges cessation of false narratives and constructive engagement |
| Commitment | Emphasizes high standards of integrity and professionalism |
