By The Uganda Police Force has raised concern over increasing incidents of lawlessness and obstruction of police officers while on duty, warning that such actions are both dangerous and criminal.
While addressing the media, Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said the force has recorded several cases of civilians attacking officers attempting to execute lawful arrests, including incidents in Mayuge and Bukwo districts on June 20th.
Latest
UPDF Troops in Somalia Urged to Prioritise Health for Mission Success
Traffic Police Launch Road Safety Drive at Bwaise Bus Terminal
Chairman Nyanzi Switches to Kawempe South, Seeks NUP MP Ticket
NRM Claims 125 of 135 Kampala Villages, Declares City Comeback
Gold Scam Suspect Remanded Over $105,000 Fraud
Striking Teachers Urged to Return as Govt Promises Pay Rise
Four Vehicles Impounded in Kawempe Over Dangerous Loading, Drivers Face Court
Prisons Refutes Byanyima’s Claims on Besigye’s Detention Conditions
In Mayuge District’s Wite Village, Utangala Parish, police officers were attacked by robbery suspect Tshuha Alex and his brother, both wielding machetes (pangas), as they attempted to make an arrest. One officer was injured in the scuffle while the suspect’s brother was shot in the knee during the confrontation.
In a separate incident in Bukwo District, police intervened to rescue a suspect from an angry mob. During the standoff, warning shots were fired. One civilian was shot in the leg, and a police officer was accidentally injured in the ankle.
Kituuma revealed that the Bukwo incident was incited by a Local Council II Chairperson, who demanded that officers surrender the suspect to be “worked on” by locals. “You can imagine a community leader instigating mob justice,” he said, adding that such conduct not only undermines the law but endangers lives.
“These acts of lawlessness are both risky and punishable,” Kituuma warned. “It is unacceptable to obstruct officers who are lawfully executing their duties. Confronting the police will not be tolerated.”
He reminded the public that the police have a constitutional mandate to protect lives and property, including the lives of suspects. “Being suspected of a crime does not give the public the right to take the law into their own hands,” he emphasized.
Kituuma also cautioned against narratives that blame police officers for using force in hostile situations without understanding the full context. “Respect the law. Respect the boundaries. If officers are enforcing the law, they must be given space to operate,” he said.
The Uganda Police Force has reiterated its commitment to law enforcement and warned that those who attack officers or engage in mob justice will face serious legal consequences.
