Uganda Today Edition: If This is True, Mityana Assistant RDC Should be Arrested Immediately
“She is Alleged to have Effected Arrest of Sylvia Nazziwa for Her Daughter’s Alleged Sins: Mityana RDC Sparks Outrage Over Questionable Detention”
In a move that has ignited public outrage and drawn sharp condemnation, police in Mityana District have detained Sylvia Nazziwa, an elderly woman accused of being accountable for her daughter’s social media activities. The arrest was ordered and executed by Mityana Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Prossy Mwanjuzi, sparking accusations of impunity and abuse of office.
The saga unfolded in Maanyi Sub-County, where Nazziwa was reportedly taken from her home by the RDC herself and detained at Maanyi Police Post. Her alleged crime? Being the mother of Teopista Nalwoga, who works in Saudi Arabia and has reportedly shared anti-government content targeting prominent Ugandan leaders, including Minister of Lands Judith Nabakooba and First Daughter Natasha Karugire.
Biblical and Legal Contradictions
Critics have highlighted not only the ethical but also the legal absurdity of the arrest, pointing to the principle of individual accountability as enshrined in various doctrines and laws. A particularly resonant biblical passage, Deuteronomy 24:16, states:
“Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; every person shall be put to death for their own sin.”
This scripture, often cited as a moral foundation for justice, underscores the inappropriateness of punishing Nazziwa for actions over which she has no control. Nazziwa herself denied knowledge of her daughter’s social media posts or their dissemination in a village WhatsApp group.
Uganda’s legal framework also upholds individual responsibility for criminal acts. According to Article 28 of the Constitution of Uganda, every person is entitled to a fair hearing and cannot be punished for offenses they did not commit.
RDC’s Defense and Public Backlash
Deputy RDC Mwanjuzi defended her actions, claiming the arrest was meant to send a warning to Ugandans abroad who criticize government leaders. “If you think you are going to base in the Middle East to insult our leaders, you must know that if we choose to go after you, we shall go after you,” Mwanjuzi declared.
Her justification, however, has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts, human rights activists, and even prominent police officials. Former Uganda Police Political Commissar Asan Kasingye described Mwanjuzi as “problematic,” while Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire called the actions “irregular.”
The Broader Implications
This incident raises troubling questions about governance, accountability, and the limits of state power in Uganda. Holding a parent responsible for their child’s social media activity sets a dangerous precedent, eroding principles of justice and individual liberty. Such actions could stoke fears of unchecked state overreach, where family members become collateral damage in efforts to silence dissent.
The RDC’s actions also undermine Uganda’s image as a state governed by the rule of law. International observers and domestic critics alike have pointed out that such moves could exacerbate tensions between citizens and the state, especially among the diaspora community.
Calls for Accountability
The arrest of Sylvia Nazziwa demands urgent action. Legal experts and commentators are calling for an investigation into Prossy Mwanjuzi’s conduct, with many urging her suspension and possible prosecution for abuse of office. If such behavior goes unaddressed, it risks normalizing impunity and further alienating citizens who already feel targeted for their views.
This incident also serves as a reminder of the need for Ugandan authorities to respect constitutional rights, ensuring that actions taken in the name of governance do not trample on justice and human dignity.
As this story continues to unfold, all eyes will be on whether the authorities will take steps to correct this apparent miscarriage of justice—or whether they will double down, further eroding public trust in state institutions.
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