The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued a strong warning to police and other security officers, urging them to refrain from executing “unlawful” orders. The association emphasized that such orders should not involve torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment towards individuals.
This caution comes in the wake of a disturbing incident captured on CCTV footage, where multiple police and security officers were seen violently assaulting unarmed and compliant suspects.
The incident occurred during arrests made at the residence of Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga, the leader of Jumiat Dawa Al Salafiya at Nakasero Mosque. Sheikh Kamoga is currently under investigation for allegedly confining a group of individuals, aged between 14 and 28, at his home in Kawempe Division.
In a statement, ULS President Bernard Oundo expressed deep concern over the distressing footage, revealing that the suspects, who posed no immediate threat, were subjected to severe physical abuse, including kicks, beatings, and gun strikes. Oundo highlighted that these acts were perpetrated despite the suspects peacefully surrendering and raising their arms.
Oundo stressed that during lawful arrests, the use of force by police and security officers should be limited to what is reasonably necessary to apprehend a suspect. He firmly stated that in cases involving unarmed and cooperative suspects, like those depicted in the footage, the use of any force is unjustifiable.