Uganda Police Issues Stern Warning Against Assaulting Officers on Duty

The Uganda Police Force has issued a stern warning to the public, urging them to refrain from obstructing officers while they are conducting their official duties as mandated by law. This caution comes in response to a growing trend of assaults on police officers, some of which have led to severe injuries and even death.

One specific incident took place in Wayita Village, Busakira Sub-county, Mayuge District, where two officers came under attack while trying to apprehend a suspected robber identified as Alex Chuha. During the arrest, Chuha and his brother allegedly armed themselves with machetes and assaulted the officers. In the altercation that ensued, Chuha's brother was injured by a gunshot, while one of the officers also sustained injuries.

In another event in Suam Sub-county, Bukwo District, police officers faced aggression when attempting to rescue a suspected thief from an enraged crowd. The group, reportedly led by the LC II chairperson, tried to forcefully take the suspect from police custody with the intent of carrying out vigilante justice. A confrontation broke out, resulting in injuries to one police officer and a civilian.

Speaking at a press conference held at Naguru Police Headquarters, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke strongly denounced the recurring assaults on officers. He highlighted a previous tragic incident where PC Chemongesi Suleiman, stationed at Bisheshe Police within Ibanda CPS, was killed by mourners while safeguarding the funeral of Lazarus Kahangire on April 6, 2025. Rusoke expressed disbelief at how an LC II chairperson could lead a mob to seize a suspect from police custody for lynching, asserting to have ordered the arrest personally. He also questioned why some members of the public expect officers to face arrest for defending themselves when under attack.

Rusoke emphasized that the police will not hesitate to apprehend and prosecute anyone who obstructs law enforcement officers in the execution of their duties, underscoring the importance of respecting the law and ensuring officer safety.