Police hunt officer over abusive video targeting President, IGP
“It is alleged that the suspect, while in police uniform, made abusive statements against the President and the IGP, claiming that police officers were not facilitated with transport and food,” the report states.
Police say security teams have been deployed to trace and arrest the suspect, with the aim of bringing him back to Uganda to face prosecution. (File photo)
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Police have launched a manhunt for a special police constable accused of making abusive statements against President-elect Yoweri Museveni and Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba in a video circulated on social media, in a case being investigated as computer misuse in Tororo district.
According to a police incident report filed under Tororo CRB: 75/2026, the suspect has been identified as special police constable Isaac Othieno, attached to Osukuru Police Station and a resident of Kayoro subcounty in Tororo district.
The complainant in the case is assistant superintendent of police Elly Kaigwa, the officer in charge of Tororo Central Police Station and a resident of Tororo Police Barracks.
Investigators state in the report that the offence was committed on January 22, 2025, at around 9:00am in Kayoro subcounty, when Othieno, while dressed in full police uniform, recorded a video in which he allegedly abused the President and the IGP.
“It is alleged that the suspect, while in police uniform, made abusive statements against the President and the IGP, claiming that police officers were not facilitated with transport and food,” the report states.
Police say the remarks, made in the recorded video, were later shared online, prompting concern within the force and triggering internal investigations.
Following the incident, police registered a case of computer misuse under Tororo CRB: 75/2026 and opened formal investigations.
“Statements have been recorded from relevant witnesses, and the video footage has been retrieved and analysed,” the report notes.
Preliminary findings indicate that after recording the video, the suspect abandoned his police uniform at a friend’s house in Osukuru before fleeing.
Intelligence reports suggest that Othieno may have crossed the border. “According to intelligence, the suspect is hiding in Kenya,” the report adds.
Police say security teams have been deployed to trace and arrest the suspect, with the aim of bringing him back to Uganda to face prosecution.
The case comes amid renewed police warnings to officers and members of the public against the misuse of digital platforms, particularly when making statements that may undermine public institutions or violate the Computer Misuse Act.
Senior police officers said both disciplinary and criminal proceedings will follow once the suspect is arrested, noting that wearing a police uniform while making political or abusive statements constitutes a serious breach of police regulations.
“No officer is above the law. Whoever misuses technology or abuses office will be dealt with according to the law,” a senior officer said.