Police decry surge in attacks on officers during arrests

KAMPALA - Police have raised the alarm over the growing violent resistance during arrests, warning that such lawlessness is a serious threat to officer safety and the rule of law.

Addressing journalists at the weekly press briefing today, June 23, 2025, at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala city, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said several recent operations had been met with hostility—some involving armed suspects and interference from local leaders.

“We are registering a number of incidents of lawlessness where, as Uganda Police Force, we encounter obstruction of officers on lawful duty,” Kituuma said.

“In many of these cases, suspects resist arrest violently, sometimes aided by members of the community.”

He cited an incident that occurred on June 20 in Butangala parish, Mayuge district, where officers attempting to apprehend robbery suspect Alex Hyuha were attacked by the suspect and his brother. Both were reportedly armed.

“One of our officers sustained injuries during the scuffle, and the suspect’s brother was shot in the knee,” Kituuma said. “This is a dangerous trend we are beginning to see more frequently.”

In a separate incident the same day, Police in Bukwo district's Swam sub-county rescued another suspect from a lynch mob. The confrontation escalated when the officers were forced to fire warning shots to disperse the crowd.

“One suspect was shot in the leg during the rescue operation, and unfortunately, a Police officer was accidentally shot in the ankle,” Kituuma said. “This mob action was instigated by the area LC2 chairperson, who is now a subject of investigation.”

The Police spokesperson condemned what he termed a “worrying interference” by community leaders in criminal matters and warned that anyone obstructing lawful Police operations would face criminal charges.

“We want to remind the public that interfering with Police operations is a criminal offence. We shall not hesitate to take action against individuals or leaders who undermine our duty to maintain law and order,” Kituuma warned.

Security forces foil terror plot

Kituuma also commended security agencies for thwarting a potential terrorist attack, describing it as an “operational success” that averted possible mass casualties.

“We wish to laud our gallant officers, Police and sister security agencies for their vigilance,” he said. “They managed to nip in the bud a potential terrorist threat that would have probably caused a lot of damage. Their timely action prevented the enemy from executing their mission.”

While withholding operational details for security reasons, Kituuma noted that the intercepted plot is part of a broader pattern of ongoing terrorist threats targeting Uganda.

“This was a serious threat, and although it was contained, we continue to receive intelligence about possible terrorist activity. The public should remain alert, and we call for continued cooperation with our security forces,” he added.