Army on Yusuf Kawooya video: We are investigating

The army has for the first time spoken out on the video showing a man being brutally arrested by suspected security operatives in plain clothes. The man has since been identified as Yusuf Kawooya, a businessman.

On Thursday afternoon, a video circulated showing five security operatives armed with guns beating Kawooya who ha captured near Christ the King church in Kampala.

“Twagala mmotoka( we want the vehicle),”the four officers said as they hit Kawooya with gun butts repeatedly all over his body including the kidney area as a number of people gathered to watch the proceedings.

Despite pleading for mercy and accepting to cooperate, the ruthless men are seen continuing with the beating before they forcefully dragged the suspect into a waiting taxi and drove off to an unknown destination leaving the public in shock.

However, when contacted, the army deputy spokesperson, Lt.Col.Deo Akiiki said they are still investigating the incident.

“We are following up the incident,”Akiiki said.

Since the video went viral, the public has come out to condemn the inhumane acts by security agencies.

In November last year, one of the suspects in the murder of AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi was re-arrested in a brutal manner by security operatives in the middle of the road shortly after being released on bail by Nakawa magistrates court.

The Inspector General of Police recently issued new guidelines to be followed while arresting suspects.

“A police officer will not effect an arrest unless a formal complaint has been made. All arrests must be done with the full authorisation of the unit supervisors or commanders,” IGP Ochola said

According to Ochola, if proper guidelines are followed, incidents of scuffles between arresting officers and suspects will always be avoided.

Speaking a news conference on Friday, police Interpol Director, AIGP Fred Yiga said no matter the circumstances, no suspect should be arrested in a disrespectful manner.