Retired senior security inspector runs to Police over assault

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Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) John Ngayure Ndungutse has called for the arrest and prosecution of junior military personnel, who allegedly assaulted him during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries in Kanungu district.

Ndungutse claims he was attacked by a group of security officers, including Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers, at the gate of the tally centre in Kanungu on the morning of July 18, just before the official announcement of the election results.

Speaking to New Vision Online late last week, Ndungutse described the use of excessive force against him as unjustified. “The injuries I sustained during the clobbering forced me to fly to Nairobi for treatment immediately after filing a petition challenging the election results.”

Ndungutse contested in the NRM party primaries for the Kinkiizi West County parliamentary seat, but lost to incumbent James Ruugi Kaberuka.

He recounted that the violence began when security personnel manning the main gate where votes were being tallied ordered him and his bodyguard to stop and exit their vehicle—sparking the confrontation.

Ndungutse welcomed the swift response from security agencies, including the UPDF, which said they were investigating the incident, confirming that the file had been submitted to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

He singled out Lt. Patrick Zirimo of the 21st Battalion as the leader of the confrontation and urged his superiors to hold him accountable for the assault.

During the altercation, Ndungutse alleged that Zirimo grabbed him by the neck, punched him on the right cheek, and kicked him in the lower abdomen, leaving him in severe pain. The case was officially registered at Kanungu Police Station under reference number CRB 440/2025.

Who is AIGP Ndungutse?

Ndungutse is a retired AIGP, having served for 37 years in the Police force. He joined the Police force in 1987 as a constable and rose through the ranks, becoming an advocate, commissioner for oaths, and public notary.

His expertise spans investigations, crime prevention, and counterterrorism. Notably, Ndungutse was part of the team that established combat measures at the Counter Terrorism Centre of Excellence for the East African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation, serving as director and focal point officer at the Nairobi-based centre.

Ndungutse also led investigations into high-profile cases, including corruption probes at the Uganda Revenue Authority that resulted in organisational restructuring.