Summary:
- The leaders allege that police officers from the Kigezi region illegally crossed into Rubanda District and arrested three individuals accused of lynching Joab Ainembabazi, a suspected thief caught with a stolen cow on October 12, 2024, in Nyamiyaga village, Nyamweru Sub-county.
RUBANDA: Local leaders in Rubanda District are accusing the Kigezi Region Police of trespassing and making arrests without consulting local authorities.
The leaders allege that police officers from the Kigezi region illegally crossed into Rubanda District and arrested three individuals accused of lynching Joab Ainembabazi, a suspected thief caught with a stolen cow on October 12, 2024, in Nyamiyaga village, Nyamweru Sub-county. The arrest prompted residents in the area to hold a protest to Kigezi region Police headquarters in Kabale Municipality demanding the release of the suspects.
According to Rubanda Resident District Commissioner Eric Ssewandigi, Ainembabazi, who had multiple theft cases reported against him, was assaulted and burned in a public display. Nyamweru Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Alex Nkwasibwe questioned the authority of police officers from Kigezi region Police to make arrests in Rubanda, noting that the district has its own police station capable of handling arrests.
CUE IN NKWASIBWE…..ON KABALE POLICE……RR//
Rubanda District LC5 Chairman Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba condemned the arrests, describing them as illegal and conducted without the consent of local security and leadership.
CUE IN KASYABA……..ON ILLEGAL ARRESTS……RR//
However, Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson Elly Maate defended the arrests, stating they were part of the regional police’s supervisory mandate. He explained that regional authorities are allowed to intervene in cases where local districts have not taken prompt action, especially in serious matters or issues of public concern. Maate added that the action was a proactive step to prevent potential unrest in the community.
He further revealed that the suspects were taken to court and subsequently remanded to Ndorwa Government Prison.
CUE IN MAATE…..ON THE RESPONSE…..RR/ENG//
