Cases of alleged police misconduct continue to dominate public attention, ranging from torture and harassment to claims of unlawful arrests.
At the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) tribunal this week, the chairperson and panel heard multiple complaints of human rights violations.
Many of the cases shared a common thread: allegations of police misconduct.
Among the complainants were Shaban Mabirizi versus the Attorney General, James Kigozi versus the Attorney General, as well as Geoffrey Ouma and Kabudami Eliphaz, all reporting various forms of torture.
These incidents have renewed concerns about law enforcement conduct and the protection of citizens’ rights in Uganda.
The Constitution guarantees every person the right to liberty and mandates that arrests follow due process, but human rights advocates argue these safeguards are often ignored in practice.
Lawyer and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) youth coordinator Nelson Agaba said while the law is clear, its enforcement remains questionable.
“We see unlawful arrests, excessive force, and violations of citizens’ rights. The only way to change this system is by electing the right leaders—from local councils to the highest office,” Agaba said.
The Uganda Police Force, however, insists it operates within the law and has mechanisms to hold officers accountable.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusooke explained that cases of abuse are handled by the Professional Standards Unit (PSU).
“The law and our professional code guide us. When an officer is reported, the Professional Standards Unit investigates, and many officers have been punished. Police do not abduct anyone; we conduct arrests. Even if an officer is in plain clothes, once he identifies himself, it is still a lawful arrest,” Rusooke said.
He added that problems often arise when suspects resist arrest, which can sometimes lead to the use of force. He emphasized, however, that officers who use excessive or unnecessary force face discipline.
As complaints continue to pile up, questions remain about whether the Force’s accountability measures are sufficient, or whether meaningful change will ultimately come through citizens’ choices at the ballot box.