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The woman, identified as Victoria Kabatoraine, a resident of Lubiri Cell in Mbarara, was being apprehended for tresspass
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Mbarara - The Uganda Police Force has strongly condemned the conduct of officers involved in a widely circulated video showing a woman being dragged in the mud during an arrest in Mbarara City.
In a statement, the police identified the officers as ASP Andrew Betunga, Detective Constable Darious Aharizira, Detective Constable Hope Nsasirwe, and Detective Constable Loyce Kiboneka. The woman, identified as Victoria Kabatoraine, a resident of Lubiri Cell in Mbarara, was being apprehended when the incident occurred.
"The method of arrest depicted in this video contradicts our professional standards," the statement read. The four officers have been detained in Mbarara and are awaiting disciplinary action. Police assured the public that updates on the investigation and disciplinary proceedings will be provided in due course.
The incident has sparked heated debates on social media, with Ugandans expressing diverse opinions about the police’s actions and response.
@UGLawyer, a social media user, defended the officers, questioning alternatives in cases where suspects resist arrest. “If a person resists arrest, what should officers do? Should they walk away and report back? If the arrest was legal, I blame the lady for resisting.”
In contrast, @Nkolimbo1 criticized the police's broader track record, accusing the force of systemic human rights violations. “These statements are intended to clear your image, but we all know you do even worse things. If this arrest wasn’t captured on video, would you come out to clarify?”
@wbulime, another commenter, urged the police to invest in capacity building for their officers to prevent such incidents. “You need to continue enhancing capacity-building efforts for your men and women in uniform.”
Police commitment
The police have reiterated their commitment to upholding professionalism and human rights in their operations, calling the incident a deviation from their standards. The public awaits further updates on the disciplinary measures against the implicated officers as scrutiny on law enforcement practices intensifies.
This case adds to the ongoing debate about police conduct and accountability in Uganda, raising questions about the balance between enforcing the law and respecting human rights.
Torch Media Africa
