The territorial Kampala Metropolitan Police has noted with concern the viral video on social media where a Police officer appears to have been thoroughly beaten.
He was seen with tied hands and the public chanting words like ‘thieves’ in Mukono. He was actually one of the two harassed officers.
Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga has categorically stated that the officers are not thieves as alleged in the video.
VIDEO;
https://fb.watch/e8NzMpBO-j/
“We have carried out investigations into the matter and found out that yesterday 07.07.2022 at around 1230hrs No. 62833 PC Mujuni Andrew and No. 47904 PC Odongo Jonan attached to Ntawo police booth Uganda Christian, were riding a police motorcycle moving around Namuyenje when people shouted that they are thieves,” Police Deputy PRO, Luke Owoyesigyire added.
He said, “Immediately, crowds gathered around and started beating them. Pc Mujuni was tied with ropes hands behind and the legs.”
According to Owoyesigyire, the angry mob accused them of harassing them, extortion and guarding the church which is grabbing people’s bibanja.
History On The Land Matter;
There has been a long land wrangle for (land stretching from the University to Namuyenje cell, Ntawo ward, Mukono central division in Mukono Municipality), between the church (land lords) and the community (bibanja holders).
The issue prompted the then Mukono Division Police Commander in 2017 to make permanent deployment for fear of community members causing harm on each other . The said officers were among the force deployed .
On Tuesday 05/07/2022 a house belonging to Jingo John a kibanja holder on church land was demolished at night and the community accused the same police officers of not responding to the matter.
This, according to Police clearly shows that the Community attacked the officers because they have always guarded the land in question, not because they are thieves as alleged in the video since they are known to the community.
Subsequently six suspects have been arrested and are currently detained at Mukono CPS while the victims are currently admitted at Mengo Hospital in critical condition .
The DPC and team have also embarked on Community sensitization on the dangers of Mob justice in Community as the perpetrators of such acts will be investigated and arraigned in courts of law.
The Police team is currently monitoring the situation and is also in touch with the church to find a lasting solution for the bibanja holders whom they acknowledge.
