Two officers from Katwe police station are currently under arrest following accusations of torturing a suspect, who later died.
The deceased, identified as Lauben Muchunguzi, was a boda-boda rider in Kibuli-Kampala, according to Luke Owoyesigirye, the deputy police spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan. Initial investigations indicate that Muchunguzi and his associate, Marvin Bishengera, attempted to steal a phone from Jovan Tukye, a Congolese national, in Kanakurya Zone on Kayemba road-Kibuli around 8:00 pm on March 12, 2024.
A mob pursued them, and while Muchunguzi was able to flee, his associate was saved from the enraged crowd by the police. On March 14, the owner of the motorcycle they had been using turned himself into the police, but was told to bring Muchunguzi in order to reclaim his motorcycle.
Statements from Katwe police station reveal that the motorcycle owner and other locals set a trap, leading to Muchunguzi’s arrest. He was then handed over to Katwe police officers.
After spending a night in custody, Muchunguzi’s health worsened, leading the police to rush him to Mulago referral hospital. He was declared dead upon arrival.
Owoyesigirye did not reveal the names of the officers involved, but stated that certain officers have been identified by family members and the community as the ones who allegedly tortured Muchunguzi.
Owoyesigirye said, “In some of the statements that have been recorded by a team handling this case, family members of the deceased and the area leaders are accusing our officers, of having tortured Muchunguzi on the way, and at police.”
He noted that a death inquiry has been launched following the torture allegations, and two officers have been arrested as the investigation proceeds.
“We have two suspects so far but the investigations will be expanded to the scene where the first incident occurred. We condemn any act of torturing suspects in the hands of the police that is meant to protect them. If the allegations against these people are found to be true, they will face the hand of law.” Owoyesigyire added.