Brothers Clash: Uniting Uganda’s Security Forces for a Common Mission

Uganda Today Edition: Brothers Clash: Uniting Uganda’s Security Forces for a Common Mission

 A Disturbing Breakdown in Unity

Uganda’s peace and stability rest heavily on the shoulders of its security forces—the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). Though they operate under different mandates, they serve one purpose: safeguarding the lives, property, and rights of Ugandans under the supreme authority of the Commander-in-Chief.

But a disturbing incident at Lubowa Police Station has exposed cracks in this vital relationship, raising urgent questions about discipline, inter-agency coordination, and the rule of law.

The Lubowa Skirmish: What Really Happened

On a seemingly ordinary day, Lubowa Police Station received a group of seriously battered civilian suspects brought in by non-uniformed members of the Special Forces Command (SFC)—an elite UPDF unit. These civilians, apparently arrested by SFC personnel, were bleeding and clearly in need of medical attention.

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The Officer in Charge (OC), ASP Sunday Innocent, assessed the condition of the suspects and declined to take them into custody without first receiving medical clearance. The OC insisted on due process and humane treatment, in line with police procedures and constitutional obligations.

This principled stance enraged the SFC operatives. When the OC decided to detain the SFC members for violating standard procedure and delivering injured civilians without explanation or medical referral, the situation escalated.

Though the detained SFC members were placed in custody, they reportedly retained access to their phones—and quickly informed their commander of the development. In response, a second SFC team was deployed. What followed was nothing short of an internal security crisis: SFC operatives stormed Lubowa Police Station, brutalized officers, including the OC, and left several injured.

A Dangerous Precedent

This violent intrusion by one arm of the security apparatus against another sends a chilling message—not just to civilians, but to the entire country. It highlights a growing culture of impunity, indiscipline, and disregard for inter-agency command structures. If those entrusted to protect us begin to turn on each other, what safety remains for ordinary citizens?

The restraint shown by the police officers during this incident is commendable. Despite being physically assaulted and overpowered, they did not retaliate. ASP Sunday Innocent’s leadership averted what could have been a deadly standoff between two national forces.

What This Means for Uganda’s Security Future

This incident must serve as a wake-up call to Uganda’s top security leadership:

• The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) must immediately address this breach of protocol.

• Clear guidelines on inter-agency operations and jurisdiction must be re-emphasized and enforced.

• A transparent investigation into the Lubowa attack is non-negotiable.

• Disciplinary action must be taken against the SFC operatives who led and participated in the raid.

If necessary, the Commander-in-Chief must personally intervene to restore order, rebuild trust, and remind every officer—from the barracks to the station—that Uganda’s peace is bigger than individual pride or institutional rivalry.

A Call for National Unity

The tragedy at Lubowa Police Station must not be forgotten. It is a call to all Ugandans—security officers and civilians alike—that the survival of our nation depends on discipline, cooperation, and mutual respect.

To ASP Sunday Innocent and his officers: Uganda salutes your professionalism. You chose the Constitution over confrontation. You upheld human rights over hierarchy. And you protected the nation not with guns, but with courage.

Wishing the Injured a Quick Recovery

To the brave officers and civilians injured during the raid, we wish you healing, strength, and justice. May the Almighty protect and restore you. Your sacrifice reminds us that real service demands self-control even under pressure.

Let this be the last time brothers in uniform draw weapons against each other. Let us recommit to the values that built this nation—for God and our country.

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