The Uganda Police Force has taken action against four of its officers after a viral video showing a woman being dragged through mud during an arrest ignited widespread public outrage. The incident, which occurred in Lubiri cell, Mbarara City, has drawn harsh criticism and renewed demands for police accountability and reform.
In a statement released by police headquarters, the force condemned the actions depicted in the video, acknowledging the conduct as a breach of their professional standards.
“The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns the conduct displayed in the video circulating on social media, where officers are seen dragging a woman through mud in an apparent arrest. Such actions are in direct violation of the ethical standards and professionalism we expect from our personnel,” the statement read.
The officers involved were identified as ASP Andrew Betunga, along with Detective Constables Darious Aharizira, Hope Nsasirwe, and Loyce Kiboneka. According to the statement, the four have been detained in Mbarara as investigations proceed.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a land dispute, with claims that the woman had resisted eviction attempts after declining monetary offers for her property. Her resistance allegedly led to the violent altercation captured on video.
Reacting to the incident, State Minister of Gender Balaam Barugahara expressed his dismay, emphasizing that such actions tarnish the values of Uganda’s leadership.
“This appalling act is a betrayal of the values and legacy of our leadership under President Museveni. The treatment of this elderly woman by police officers is unacceptable and must be met with serious consequences,” Barugahara stated. He urged security authorities to address the issue with urgency and ensure that such behavior is not tolerated within the force.
The video has triggered renewed calls from human rights advocates for reforms within the police force, citing the incident as reflective of deeper issues of excessive force and misconduct. While the detention of the officers is seen as a positive step, activists stress the need for a comprehensive investigation and meaningful measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This case has intensified discussions around police accountability in Uganda, with many urging authorities to rebuild public trust through transparency and stricter enforcement of professional conduct standards.