Govt probes Police officers for assaulting Besigye fans

Government is investigating the actions of Police officers that allegedly assaulted members of the public along Gayaza Road as Forum for Democratic Change's (FDC) former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye made way to his home in Kasangati.

Besigye was on Tuesday released on bail from Luzira Prison where he has spent two months, on charges of treason.

During the Prime Minister's question time yesterday in Parliament, Francis Mwijukye (FDC), the Buhweju county MP, tasked the Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda to explain to the country, why people in police uniforms were beating up members of the public who had gathered on the road side to have a glimpse of Besigye.

"We want to know who are these people who were beating up Ugandans in Police uniforms, these were innocent people who were standing on the streets," Mwijukye said.

However in response, Rugunda, the leader of government business in parliament assured that the government through police was investigating the matter to bring the culprits to book.

"This is a matter we are investigating we need to know why they were beating up people they way they did.  After the investigations we shall get back to you," Rugunda assured.

In the same development, the police yesterday issued a statement about the matter; indicating that the Police's Professional standard Unit (PSU) had started investigations into the incident.

According to the statement by   Polly Namaye, the deputy police spokesperson, the incident came to light through a video link by NBS, a local television channel. The disheartening video has since been shared on social media by Ugandans, condemning the act.

"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," Namaya said.

She added that; "The video will also help police identify some members of the public who were affected in the particular incident".

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.The case was opened under reference number PSU GEF 306/2016.