Uganda Police have dispelled claims of torture implicating elements in it’s forces, for alleged involvement in grave human rights violations, saying they are unfounded and appearing to be part of a propaganda campaign against the institution of police.
This follows social media reports that some of the released suspects in the Tuesday 23 July Anti-corruption protests were sodomized while in detention. The unverified comments relayed on social media accounts owned by human rights activist, Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, alleges that following the arrests and detention, some of the suspects underwent a series of torture at the hands of police officers.
“Some of the released boys say that they were subjected to anal rape (‘sodomised’) by police officers while in custody. Another NUP young man raised the same complaint upon release recently, on top of his teeth also being knocked out.” Spire posted on Wednesday.
But, Uganda Police spokesperson, ACP Rusoke Kituuma dismissed the claims and warned Spire Ssentongo to desist from spreading false narratives and misleading propaganda that only serves to tarnish the reputation of the police force.
ACP Rusoke Kituuma’s response to sodomy accusations as posted on official Uganda Police X account: @PoliceUg
“Your accusations against the Uganda Police Force (UPF) are unfounded and appear to be part of an ongoing propaganda campaign against the institution.
The police are very conscious of the rights of suspects and take their responsibilities seriously.
We implore you to desist from spreading false narratives and misleading propaganda that only serves to tarnish the reputation of the police force.
Spreading malicious lies and baseless allegations is highly unprofessional and unethical.
Instead, we urge you to work constructively with the UPF to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens.
The police are committed to maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism in service of the Ugandan people. Unfounded attacks only undermine this important work”.
This is however not the first time suspects decry of torture in detention and by security forces in Uganda. Following the massive arrests of youths in 2021 elections, several opposition members raised similar issues ranging from savage beatings to anal rape.
In an emotional interview aired by NTV after he was released from Kitala prison in June 2021, Bobi Wine’s bodyguard Eddy Ssebuufu well known as Eddie Mutwe makes serious allegations of similar degrading treatment subjected to him at gun point during detention at Kalangala Police Station.