Police Warn Against Mob Justice Amid Rising Incidents

Uganda Police have sent out a stern warning cautioning the public against getting involved in acts of mob justice.

“We are deeply concerned about the ongoing incidents of mob justice. We urge the public to uphold the principle of presumption of innocence for suspects and to allow police the opportunity to conduct proper interrogations.” said Police spokesperson Rusoke Kitumma.

Afande Kituuma cited numerous examples where suspects have lost their lives, thus denying the wheels of justice a turn. He gave an example of one Ddungu Amidu, who was lynched by a mob in Kijungu Cell, Kakoba Ward, Kakoba Division, Mbarara City. Ddungu was alleged to have stolen and slaughtered goats on August 13, 2024.

However, instead of reporting to the authorities, the locals decided to take matters into their own hands, and he was lifeless by the time police reached the scene.

Afande Kituuma revealed a similar event a day later in Kibubu Village, Buikwe District.In this case, five suspects, including Sunday Swaleh Ricky, John (deceased), Fahad, Emma, and Shadrach Magere, were involved in stealing cows. After a puncture while transporting the meat, they stopped at Metha Sugarcane Plantation. Suspicious observers led to a chase, resulting in John and Shadrach being beaten by the mob.

Mob Justice cases rise

John died from his injuries at Kawolo Hospital. Sunday Swaleh Ricky was later arrested and detained at CPS Lugazi.On the same day, at approximately 5:00 AM in Naziga Cell, Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District, a man named Sekamate John was attacked by a mob that suspected him of theft. Sekamate was found in possession of a hammer and other tools commonly used for breaking and entering.

The police intervened to rescue him from being lynched and quickly transported him to Mulago Hospital for medical treatment.

Afande Kituuma went on to cite similar events in the Elgon Region that have made the dispensation of justice difficult.He revealed that one Wamutibi Edwin James was killed by a mob on August 16, 2024, in Muki Village, Manafwa District. James was suspected of stealing a motorcycle from Namisindwa District.

However, in the process of trying to sell the motorcycle at Marwa Joint, he was confronted by the rightful owners. He was chased to Kufu Bukaweka Road, where he was stoned to death. The police recovered his body and the motorcycle, and investigations are ongoing.