Curfew: Security personnel arrested over torturing women

A joint security force led by the Chief of Defence Forces Gen. David Muhoozi and the Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeeyi on Saturday swung in action at Elegu border point in Amuru district and arrested several army and police personnel who tortured several women.

The women were found holed up in a lodge during curfew hours claiming they were enforcing President Yoweri Museveni's directives to stem the spread of Coronavirus in Uganda.

On April 3, army and police officers stormed a lodge belonging to Auma Margaret, the chairperson for Elegu Women Cross-Border Traders Savings and Credit Cooperative Society and rounded up the men and women in the lodge, some of whom were naked. They frog-marched, beat them up and forced them to roll in the mud.

Following the President's directive that errant officers beating up Ugandans must be brought to book, the Commander Bonny Bamwesigire under the directive of Gen. Muhoozi and Maj. Gen. Muzeeyi took up the matter with the Regional Police Commander who stormed Eregu and arrested all the 11 police and six army officers who were involved in the violence.

"We have arrested all of them, they will be charged with criminal torture. The six soldiers will appear before the 4th Division Court on Tuesday April 7," Bamwesigire said.

The police officers include; ASP Barenzi Richard, Sgt Musasizi Charles, Cpl Odongo Jacob, PC Opado Moses, PC Opio Augustine, PC Okello Bosco, PC Okello Jimmy, PC Sentamu Richard, PC Byamukama Constatine, PC Funga Nelson and PC Busingye Alla while the army officers include Lance Corporal Awinyi Abor Constantine, Pt Makanga Muhammed, Pt Eboku John Mack, Pt Mutenga Robert, Pt Ayo Silvester and Pt Ahimbisibwe Emma.

Addressing the country recently on the COVID-19 situation, President Museveni warned law enforcers, especially the local defence units, against assaulting and beating people they found out during curfew hours.

He urged the public to report erring security officials and law enforcers to Lt Col Nakalema, on the toll-free number: 0800202500 and 0778202500 for WhatsApp.