Summary:
- Kituuma Rusoke, the Uganda Police Spokesperson, condemned the officers’ actions, stating that the method of arrest depicted in the video contravenes professional police standards.
MBARARA: Four police officers attached to Mbarara Central Police Station, who were captured in a viral video harassing an elderly woman, have been arrested in Mbarara District.
The officers include ASP Andrew Betunga, the Community Liaison Officer, Detective Constable Darious Aharizira, Detective Constable Hope Nsasirwe, and Detective Constable Loyce Kiboneka. They are currently detained at Mbarara Central Police Station.
The viral video showed the officers apprehending an elderly woman, Victoria Kabatoraine, in Lubiri Cell, Mbarara City South Division, on Thursday. Kabatoraine was arrested on allegations of trespassing on land that she legally owns. The land, located across from the Coca-Cola plant in Mbarara, has been the subject of a protracted legal dispute over estate matters lasting more than a decade.
According to SP Samson Kasasira, the spokesperson for the Rwizi Region Police, disciplinary action has been initiated against the officers, who are facing charges of irregular conduct. Kasasira stated that they are scheduled to appear before a police disciplinary court.
Kituuma Rusoke, the Uganda Police Spokesperson, condemned the officers’ actions, stating that the method of arrest depicted in the video contravenes professional police standards.
“The actions of these officers are a clear violation of our professional standards, and we will ensure that justice is served,” he said.
Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, also criticized the incident, describing the arrest as a betrayal of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s legacy.
“I am outraged by the horrific treatment of a grandmother by some of our officers. These actions are unacceptable and deserve severe consequences. I urge our security leaders to take decisive action against these unprofessional and indisciplined officers. Impunity and disrespect have no place in our country,” Minister Barugahara stated.
