Disgraced police officer Clive Nsiima Barigye has been arraigned in City Hall Court, Kampala, on Monday to face charges of assault and threatening violence.
The case is before Grade One Magistrate Nicholas Aisu.
Nsiima, an Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the Counter Terrorism Directorate under the Oil and Gas Protection Unit, appeared in court dressed in black trousers, a white shirt, and a black face mask.
Unlike other suspects, he was not handcuffed and was escorted by wardens to take a seat in the courtroom before being asked to the dock.
The arraignment follows a viral CCTV recording showing Nsiima assaulting a female cashier at a Shell fuel station in Kyanja, Kampala.
The officer allegedly struck the attendant twice across the face after she reminded him to settle an unpaid bill of about Shs31,000.
In the footage, Nsiima is heard saying: "I am parking; have you ever driven such a car? She’s there disturbing me over Shs30,000. Do you think I can run away with Shs100,000? I can slap you even with these cameras here and tomorrow we go to court."
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the officer’s arrest via X (formerly Twitter), responding to condemnation from the Director of Criminal Investigations, AIGP Tom Magambo.
"My colleagues and I condemn such isolated behaviour. Be assured that an internal investigation is ongoing to guide further action," Magambo said.
Nsiima faces charges under Sections 235 and 236 of the Penal Code Act, which carry penalties of up to five years in prison.
It remains unclear whether he will be prosecuted in a conventional court or face disciplinary action through the police’s Professional Standards Unit.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many Ugandans on social media demanding accountability and tougher action against abusive officers. Critics have expressed skepticism over the likelihood of punishment, citing Nsiima’s apparent impunity in the CCTV recording.
Nsiima, whose balding forehead glistened with perspiration, is appearijng for plea taking.
