The Uganda Police Force has warned its officers against using social media platforms to raise internal complaints, urging them to follow established institutional channels when they believe that procedures, professional standards or the law have been breached.

Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said officers have access to formal mechanisms through which grievances and allegations of misconduct can be reported, investigated and resolved.

He pointed to the Professional Standards Unit and various command structures as appropriate avenues for officers seeking redress.
“Every officer has a right to be heard, but internal grievances should be handled through the established structures,” Rusoke said, stressing the importance of discipline, confidentiality and professionalism within the Force.

The warning follows a video circulating on social media in which Cpl. Mukolerwa Fatina questioned the decision to release a suspect on police bond in a case involving alleged domestic violence and theft of land documents.

The case, registered under CRB 70/2024, was reportedly filed by the suspect’s estranged husband.

According to Rusoke, preliminary inquiries indicate that Cpl. Mukolerwa arrested the suspect at her residence in Bulamu, Kasangati, after which a confrontation reportedly occurred between the two.

He said the Kasangati Division Police Commander (DPC) was subsequently asked to establish the circumstances surrounding the welfare of the suspect’s two children, who were allegedly left at the residence after the arrest.
“One of the children is believed to be about seven years old,” Rusoke said.

He explained that the decision to release the suspect on police bond was taken after consideration of the circumstances involving the children and the need to ensure their safety and welfare.

Rusoke, however, said the matter had attracted the attention of senior police authorities, who would establish what exactly happened during the arrest, how the suspect was handled and the circumstances surrounding her release.

He further clarified that granting police bond does not bring an investigation to an end.
“A suspect released on police bond remains subject to police inquiries and is required to report whenever called upon,” he said.

The police spokesperson urged officers with complaints to resist the temptation of taking internal matters to public platforms, saying such conduct can undermine investigations and breach the confidentiality expected of police personnel.

He said the Force remains committed to examining the concerns raised by Cpl. Mukolerwa through the appropriate institutional processes.