Police commander demoted for beating opposition MPs during Togikwatako debate

A police commander has been demoted after pleading guilty to beating several opposition Members of Parliament during the Togikwatako debate in 2017.

At the height of the controversial debate, two MPs including Ogwal and Otuke Woman legislator, Sylvia Okello were admitted to Lira medical centre after being injured in a scuffle as police fired live bullets and teargas to disperse their consultative meeting on October,24.

The two legislators took the matter with Police accusing Superintendent of Police Joel Tubanone, the then Lira DPC of assaulting them.

On Friday, the Police disciplinary court sitting at Naguru at chaired by Senior Commissioner of Police, Charles Birungi convicted Tubanone on his own plea of guilty.

“The accused pleaded guilty to two counts of using unnecessary force, he was convicted and sentenced on his own plea of guilty and did not waste court time.The court in exercise of objectivity and fairness to both the accused and the complainant, heard from both parties and convicted the accused on both counts,” a police statement by deputy spokesperson, Polly Namaye said.

The police said the disciplinary court also put into consideration the pain and inconveniences endured by the legislators as a result of the unwarranted actions basing on his own plea of guilty.

He was sentenced to reduction in rank as well as reprimand and his right to appeal this sentence within 14 days was explained to him. The court made this decision with the aim to deter the accused and all other police officers from using unnecessary force in executing their lawful duties.”

Consequently, Superintendent of Police Joel Tubanone was demoted to a rank below and is now an Assistant Superintendent of Police.