Police probe knocked Besigye supporter incident

PIC: Police spokesperson Fred Enanga says they regret the incident

KAMPALA - The Police's Professional Standards Unit has summoned patrol drivers to identify who reportedly knocked a supporter of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye's as seen in video footage circulated on social media.

The recording also exposes a plain-clothed security officer kicking the victim instead of helping him.

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said they have summoned all drivers and patrol commanders who were deployed that day to escort Besigye to his home in Kasangati after he had secured court bail on treason charges.

He told reporters they hope to identify and arrest the driver this week.

"From the side of the car commander, it was difficult to get a clear image of his appearance. So you can't tell who it was. You couldn't see the registration number, an incident which we highly regretted," he said.

"We believe that during the course of the week, we shall be able to have identified, arrested the driver and the car commander, and then we shall immediately institute disciplinary processes."

The emergence of the video comes at a time when a number of police commanders and their juniors accused of brutally beating Besigye's supporters are standing trial in the police disciplinary court.

In the latest footage, the supporter, standing a little into the path of traffic, is wearing a checkered shirt and carrying a crossbody bag. As the people are cheering on Besigye, whose vehicle is being escorted by police, a police vehicle hits the man, who rolls to the roadside.

It's not a fatal hit. And seconds later, a plain-clothed man, believed to be part of the security entourage, is seen stepping on the knocked supporter, before trotting ahead.

Another person, not in camera view, is heard exclaiming in disbelief and shock over the incident.