NATIONAL | Police Constable Alex Katungi has been re-arraigned in court on charges of demanding property with menaces.
The officer, who has been under investigation for a series of alleged corrupt practices, was brought before the Makindye Chief Magistrate's Court Thursday morning.
He has been remanded further until April 25, 2025.
Katungi, a member of the Environmental Protection Police Unit under the Ministry of Water and Environment, is accused of seizing a piece of land from an individual near a wetland while threatening to evict the owner.
The complainant, identified as Mutebi, alleges that he initially agreed to give Katungi a 30 by 30-foot portion of his land, but no payment was made in exchange for the land.
The land was transferred to Katungi's driver without Mutebi receiving any compensation.
Later, after the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) demolished a structure that Katungi had constructed on the land, Katungi reportedly demanded Shs60 million in compensation from Mutebi, threatening that he must either give up more of his land or pay the demanded amount.
After receiving continuous threats, Mutebi paid the first installment of the demanded sum in September 2024.
Katungi’s actions have drawn attention due to his alleged involvement in multiple complaints of harassment, land grabbing, and extortion, not only in this instance but in several others.
On April 4, Katungi was arraigned before the Kajjansi Chief Magistrates Court on charges of assaulting different persons in the areas of Kajjansi.
He was accused of beating several people on different occasions, claiming that they were carrying out illegal developments in wetlands.
Investigations have linked him to a series of misconducts, including unlawful arrests and exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly investors.
Katungi’s activities have sparked concern within law enforcement and among local communities.
This re-arraignment follows an ongoing investigation by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), with support from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Katungi's case highlights the growing concern over corruption within the police force and the broader impact of such actions on citizens and the rule of law.
The SH-ACU, led by Brigadier General Henry Isoke, has been at the forefront of efforts to address corruption within Uganda’s public institutions.
In recent months, the unit, in collaboration with CID, has initiated several high-profile investigations into corrupt activities across the country.
This case is just one of many where the Anti-Corruption Unit is working to ensure accountability and prevent further abuse of power.