A dispute has erupted between residents of Buhara Sub County, Kabale District, and a Police officer attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) after he allegedly demanded Shs 500,000 to release a suspect.
The officer, identified as No. 77570 Mugisha, reportedly asked for the money to secure the release of Ambrose Turamweomwe commonly known as Rutaro Mukama Ambrose, who had been arrested on Monday evening. On Tuesday, irate residents stormed Buhara Police Station, located at the Sub County headquarters in Ndorwa East, demanding Turamweomwe’s unconditional release.
Mugisha claimed that his handcuffs had gone missing weeks earlier while he attempted to arrest Turamweomwe, accusing the suspect of stealing them. He insisted that the suspect must pay Shs 500,000 to replace the handcuffs.
Led by Francis Habomugisha, the residents rejected the demand, questioning the actual cost of police handcuffs and offering to purchase them directly instead. Mugisha, however, reportedly told the locals they lacked the “capacity” to buy handcuffs.
After heated bargaining, the officer allegedly settled for Shs 120,000 to replace the handcuffs and an additional Shs 80,000 for “expenses.” Turamweomwe was later released on police bond and charged with escape from lawful arrest.
CUE IN HABOMUGISHA & MUGISHA…ON BARGAINING…..RR//
However, residents alleged that the arrest of Ambrose Turamweomwe was politically motivated. They accused Judith Akampurira, the female councilor for Rwene Parish, and Nicholas Akampurira, the LC I Chairperson of Nyakabungo Village, of repeatedly threatening Turamweomwe with arrests and intimidation.
Specioza Koburonde, the suspect’s mother, together with his wife Mackline Tusingyize, told reporters that due to constant threats and attempts to arrest him, Turamweomwe abandoned his home and resorted to sleeping in the bush. They said he was living in fear while trying to understand what crime he was being accused of committing.
CUE IN KOBURONDE & TUSINGYIZE…..ON THE MATTER….RR//
