The Kampala Metropolitan Police Community Liaison Officer, SSP Donald Muhwezi, has urged Ugandans to abandon the phrase “mob justice,” arguing that it wrongly suggests legitimacy for acts that are in fact criminal, and should instead be referred to as “mob action” or “mob violence.”
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, during a public dialogue organised by the Radical New Bar community, SSP Muhwezi said mob violence remains one of the most troubling forms of crime in the country, even as overall crime levels show signs of decline.
He commended the organisers for providing a platform for national dialogue and praised the media for supporting accountability and civic awareness in matters of law enforcement and justice.
“We should stop calling it mob justice because there is no justice in it. What happens is mob action or mob violence, where people take the law into their own hands and become complainants, witnesses, judges and executioners at the same time,” Muhwezi said.
According to police data, Uganda registered 950 cases of mob action in the previous year, down from 1,015 cases in 2024. However, authorities say the figures remain alarmingly high, with several incidents concentrated in parts of northern Uganda.
SSP Muhwezi cited recent victims of mob violence, including a lawyer, a national rugby player, a university worker, and a road equipment operator, whose deaths sparked public concern and renewed debate on community justice practices.
He warned that mob action violates fundamental constitutional rights, including the right to life, the right to a fair hearing, and the presumption of innocence. He also noted that such acts undermine criminal investigations by destroying evidence and eliminating the possibility of prosecuting accomplices.
“Mob action is illegal, and everyone who participates can be held criminally liable. Whether you strike the victim, throw stones, encourage the violence, or assist in any way, the law recognizes joint liability and holds participants accountable,” he said.
Muhwezi attributed the persistence of mob violence to weak community leadership, limited civic education, distrust in the justice system, and public frustration over perceived delays in investigations and court processes.
He acknowledged that slow investigations and prolonged trials often fuel anger in communities, but stressed that bypassing the justice system worsens the problem and leads to wrongful deaths and miscarriages of justice.
He called for stronger cooperation between security agencies, local leaders, civil society, religious institutions, and the media to promote lawful dispute resolution and public awareness of constitutional rights.
Muhwezi also urged citizens to report suspects to police instead of taking the law into their own hands, while encouraging justice institutions to improve efficiency and rebuild public trust.
He concluded that ending mob violence requires sustained civic education, stronger institutions, and collective responsibility across society to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights.