Man seen in video being brutalized by security operatives released

Yusuf Kawooya, the man seen in a video being brutalized by security operatives has been released on police bond, the Nile Post has learnt.

Last week, a video circulated on social media showing five security operatives armed with guns beating Yusuf Kawooya, a businessman near Christ the King church in Kampala.

The video was captured by Record TV.

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

Kawooya was subsequently detained at the Special Investigations Directorate in Kireka but on Wednesday, after six days, he was released on bond according to Nakawa Division Member of Parliament Michael Kabaziguruka.

“I have secured the release of Yusuf Kawooya on police bond. Thank you all for your prayers,”Kabaziguruka posted on his facebook page as he posed for a photo moment with him (Kawooya).

The Nile Post has also learnt that Kawooya has been taken to Kampala hospital for medical examination and further treatment.

Following his brutal arrest, a number of people condemned the act by security agencies.

“What happened is unacceptable in a country like ours where rule of law is critical,” police spokesperson Emilian Kayima said.

When asked to comment on the issue, AIGP Fred Yiga, the Director in charge of Interpol said the act was condemnable.

“You look at it and feel disgusted, that can’t be the modus operandi,” he said without divulging more.

However, on Saturday, five people alleged to have been captured in the video were arraigned before the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence Unit Disciplinary Committee and charged with conduct prejudicial to the good order and discipline of defence forces contrary to the UPDF Act 2005.

“You are charged with executing an operation without following the standard operating procedures,” said the court chairperson Col.Tom Kabuye while reading the charges to the suspects.

The five suspects would later admit to the charges before asking for lenient punishments by the army court.

“It is true we committed the offence when we went on the operation but the suspect turned out violent during the arrest,”Cpl Ssenkungu who is said to have led the group  told court before his colleagues also added their voices to admit the charge.

The army would later apologise for the inhuman incident by some of its men.

“This is to regret this unfortunate incident and to assure the public that such conduct is unacceptable and anyone who breaks the law will be held to account and will be punished accordingly,” the Deputy army spokesperson, Lt.Col. Deo Akiiki told The Nile Post.

However, on Tuesday, Democratic Party president, Norbert Mao said UPDF had charged fake suspects in the matter.

“When you look at the physique of the men in that video, those are not the men who tormented Kawoya,”Mao said during the party’s weekly press briefing.

Kawooya is said to be a member of the Democratic Party .