VIDEO: NGOs urge UPDF to try Maj Gen Kyaligonza with guards who assaulted police officer

Following the video clip that had circulated on social media on Sunday, February 24th, 2019, in which a traffic officer identified as Esther Namaganda was assaulted by Uganda’s Ambassador to Burundi Maj Gen Matayo Kyaligonza , two bodyguards were arrested by the Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF) as investigations are underway.

The action taken by the UPDF has been commended by many however the Executive Director Foundation for Human Rights Initiative Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana questions the application of the law onto some while others are left free.

“It is not only the bodyguards that were involved even Maj Gen Kyaligoza was involved. Therefore, the law must equally apply to him. There should not be a selective application of the law,” Dr. Sewanyana said.

“He should be held accountable and disciplinary action should be taken by the highest appointing authority against him because he does not serve as a good example of a disciplined officer who is ready to respect the law and respect others,” He added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB2eZN3C524

The two officers currently detained at Makindye Military Barracks are Lance Corporal Peter Bushindiki and Private Okurut John Robert who appeared in the video holding trafficker officer Namaganda by the neckline of her uniform.

The army spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemeire regretted the unfortunate incident and extended apologies in a tweet.

Dr. Fred Senkindi, a human rights defender and also head of Research and Advocacy says, “It is important that we respect the rule of law. It is important that every person regardless of their position is made answerable to the purported crime or incident. It is not right for junior officers to be arrested and charged and for their commanding officer whose instructions they were acting to walk away scot-free,” Dr. Senkindi said.

The human rights activists argue that for the security agencies to encourage rule of law, the courts of law ought to alert the public about what sort of punishment is given to the law offenders.

The act of alledged assault has been condemned by various people including the speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga who said the, “Conduct is unacceptable for a leader”, and asked the Uganda Police Force Inspector General of police Okoth Ochola to promote officer Namaganda.

Uganda Women’s Network has similarly condemned Major General Kyaligonza’s conduct. UWONET executive director Rita Achiro said that the general’s action regresses the many strides Uganda has made to uplift the dignity and position of women.

Police has made a statement on the matter, “We want to strongly condemn such acts of brutality upon our officers, and do further congratulate our officer on the degree of patience and restraint exhibited.  We are observing her treatment and speedy recovery from the injuries and trauma suffered from the incident.  This is one example of the risks all police officers face as they work to protect the citizens they serve.

The Police was created two task teams to pursue the matter, which include; the KMP Traffic Commander who will investigate the conduct of the driver, for inconsiderate use of the road; and another team under the CID Commander KMP to investigate the changes of assault and wilful obstruction of an officer on official duty.  The team is also investigating an additional complaint of assault from a UBC Journalist, Peter Otai, who was allegedly assaulted while capturing the incident on video.”