Police special unit to fight the vice

Jun 25, 2010

THE anti-human sacrifice and trafficking task-force was founded in 2009 by the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura. Its main responsibilities were to direct, oversee and coordinate investigations, intelligence, liaise with mobilise the public against human sacrifice.

THE anti-human sacrifice and trafficking task-force was founded in 2009 by the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura. Its main responsibilities were to direct, oversee and coordinate investigations, intelligence, liaise with mobilise the public against human sacrifice.

Binoga says the taskforce has challenges, which at times hinder its efforts in fighting the crime.
“The biggest challenge is that the belief demonic powers or witchcraft is psychological and hard to detect and eliminate or prevent. ”

Binoga says the delay to exercise justice is another challenge to the taskforce. He said in some instances, like in the Godfrey Kato Kajubi case, the public was not happy with the ruling that resulted into his acquittal.

Delayed justice also promotes mob justice. In Bugoba, Buikwe, when the residents discovered Mudaali’s body, they razed the suspect’s house to the ground.

On Bbanga village, Mpigi, unknown people recently waylaid a traditional healer, Francis Sseggali, whom they suspected of practicing witchcraft and beat him to death.

In January, in Luguje, Nakifuma, Mukono district, a mob attacked the home of Stepehen Kiwanuka and destroyed his house.

Kiwanuka’s home was raided over allegations that he possessed evil spirits. Kiwanuka and his eight children fled to Seeta-Namuganga Police post, where they camped for over a month. They did not return to the village.

To be able to counteract the vice more effectively, Binoga wants the Government to put a policy on the conduct and operation of traditional healers.

He says it would help Police and the communities to identify criminal healers and herbalists and deal with them.
Binoga also suggests a similar policy for the Born-again pastors.

He said intelligence reports indicated that there are some pastors who are using spirits which feed on human blood to help them perform miracles.

Binoga noted that such pastors are involved in human sacrifice to get human blood for their spirits.

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