Kayihura regrets brutality on civilians in Kampala

Jul 15, 2016

Kayihura denied knowledge of the stick-wielding men but said Police was investigating the matter.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen. Kale Kayihura has expressed regret over the actions of stick-wielding men that beat up supporters of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) former presidential candidate Dr. Kiiza Besigye.

However, the IGP said Police acted on intelligence information to neutralise the rowdy supporters that planned to cause mayhem during and after court heard Besigye's bail application on Wednesday.

Kayihura denied knowledge of the stick-wielding men but said Police was investigating the matter.

"The rowdy supporters planned to block Gayaza - Kampala road on Tuesday and along the Entebbe road to disrupt traffic, prompting police action," Kayihura said while addressing the press on Thursday  afternoon at the Naguru Police headquarters in Kampala.

The Coordinator Citizens' Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) Crispy Kaheru, lamented that it was disheartening to see some Police officers being highhanded on civilians who were applauding the release of a political figure from prison.

He said Police clearly used unnecessary measures against civilians; measures which in this case amount to inhuman and degrading treatment under international law.

"The doctrine of individual responsibility must be the principle here. Those officers who committed the crimes must be individually held to account.  Blame should not be cast on the Uganda Police Force as an institution," said Kaheru.

The Uganda Police Force must act quickly to bring these officers to account for their actions.

On Wednesday, Deputy Police spokesperson Polly Namaye said the Police's Professional standard Unit (PSU) had commenced a probe into the alleged assault at Kasangati.

According to Namaye, the incident came to light through a video link to local television channel. The case was opened under reference number PSU GEF 306/2016.

"PSU has written to the station management to avail a copy of the video to enable investigators identify the officers involved and evidence of what transpired.

"The video will also help Police identify some members of the public who were affected in the particular incident' said Namaye, in a press statement sent to media houses on Wednesday.

To ensure commitment and public safety, Namaye said the victims affected in the incident are encouraged to make a report to PSU by visiting their head office or call toll free numbers0800300119, 0800199199, 0800199299.

 

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