Uganda Police Deny Allegations of Sodomy in Custody

Uganda Police have distanced themselves from allegations of sodomy within their police cells.

Following the first day of the March to Parliament protests, a number of protestors were arrested. Among these was one Shabils Byaruhanga, who alleged that the security operatives molested him. Although he was later released, Byaruhanga said it was a terrible ordeal at Mbuya Police.

On Thursday morning, Makerere University scholar Jim Spire Ssentongo also reiterated these sentiments. The cartoonist was asking the police to respond to these allegations.

“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.” said Spire Ssentongo.

Similarly, former Assistant Inspector General of Police Asan Kasingye called upon Police to respond to these claims. According to the retired cop, this taints the image of the force. However, through a tweet, police mouthpiece Kituuma Rusoke called these allegations baseless. Afande Kituuma accused Spire and other activists of orchestrating a propaganda campaign against the police.

“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.” Rusoke said.

“We implore you to desist from spreading false narratives and misleading propaganda that only serve to tarnish the reputation of the police force.” he added.

Afande Kituuma concluded by saying the police are willing to work with activists constructively.

On Thursday morning, the activists had hit the streets once again in small groups to protest. The March is in protest of the high level of corruption in Parliament. Currently, five MPs are on remand in Luzira Prison over corruption-related charges.

By press time, over 100 youths had been remanded to Luzira and Kitalya Prison in regard to the protests.