Uganda Police Under Fire for Human Rights Violation in Mbarara Land Dispute

By Uganda Today News Desk

A shocking incident involving the Uganda Police has sparked outrage across the nation after a video surfaced showing Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Andrew Betunga and three other officers forcibly dragging an elderly woman through mud during an arrest in Mbarara. The incident, which unfolded amid a long-standing 15-year land wrangle, has been condemned as a gross violation of human rights.

The Video: A Shocking Display of Police Brutality

The video, which is published alongside this report as seen above, captures the elderly woman screaming in distress as ASP Betunga, flanked by three uniformed officers, forcefully drags her across a muddy terrain. Witnesses at the scene, including neighbors and daughter, can be heard pleading for restraint, but their calls go unanswered. The woman, whose name we have come to learn as Victoria Kabateraine  appears frail and disoriented, was eventually hauled into a private car, her clothes soiled with mud and her dignity stripped.

This act of brutality has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and citizens on social media.

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A Land Dispute Turned Nightmare

The conflict stems from a bitter land dispute that has spanned over a decade and a half, involving multiple court rulings and mediation attempts. Sources familiar with the case allege that police intervention, led by ASP Betunga, was heavily biased in favor of one party. The elderly woman, reportedly the rightful occupant of the disputed land, has been embroiled in legal battles to secure her claim.

Police Response: An Unclear Commitment to Accountability

An unsigned police document obtained by Uganda Today purportedly condemns the actions of ASP Betunga and his team. The document, which appears to originate from the Police Professional Standards Unit, states that Betunga and the three officers involved have been arrested and are awaiting disciplinary action. However, the absence of an official signature has raised doubts about the authenticity of the document and the police force’s commitment to justice.

“The actions displayed in the video do not reflect the values of the Uganda Police Force, and those responsible will face consequences,” the document reads in part. Yet, the public remains skeptical, with many questioning whether the officers will face meaningful accountability or if this is a case of damage control.

Outrage and Demands for Justice

The incident has reignited debates about police reform and accountability in Uganda. Human rights lawyers described the video as “a damning indictment of the police’s failure to protect citizens, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly.”

Civil society organizations are calling for immediate and transparent investigations into the actions of ASP Betunga and his team. “This is not just about one officer; it reflects systemic impunity within law enforcement,” said Atwine.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has also expressed concerns and pledged to investigate the matter independently. “No one is above the law. Such acts of cruelty must be met with the full force of justice,” a UHRC statement reads.

Conclusion

As the public awaits further action, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges Uganda faces in enforcing human rights and ensuring justice for its citizens. The video is a stark portrayal of the urgent need for police reform and accountability mechanisms that prioritize the dignity and rights of all individuals.

Stay tuned to Uganda Today for updates on this developing story.