Four senior officers charged for beating Besigye supporters

Four police officers who are alleged to have beaten up supporters of Opposition leader, Dr Kizza Besigye, last week, have been charged in the police court with unlawful exercise of authority and discreditable conduct.

The officers who appeared at the Naguru-based police court are; Wandegeya Division Police commander Mr Moses Nanoka; Field Force Unit Commander for Kampala Metropolitan Police, Mr Samuel Bamuzibire; Kampala Metropolitan Police South Commander, Mr Andrew Kaggwa; and Katwe Police Station Operations Commander, Mr Patrick Muhumuza.
All the officers entered a plea of not guilty and they were allowed to be released on police bond.

On procedure of court, the chairman Mr Denis Odongpiny said the accused officers will not be allowed representation by any attorney.

“This is an administrative court so you are not allowed legal representations, prepare your own defence,” he said.

Mr Kaggwa, Mr Bamuzibire and Mr Muhumuza were charged with unnecessary exercise of authority and engaging in events that brought discredit to the reputation of the police force by beating Besigye’s supporters at a junction near Namasole Road in Najjanankumbi.

While Mr Nanoka charged with the same offences that were done at Kalerwe, he however claimed not to understand the charges.
It is alleged that the accused acted contrary to Section 44 (11) code 24b of the Police Act that prohibits unlawful exercise of authority. They are also accused of violating Section 44(1) code 12 of the Police Act that prohibits discreditable or irregular conduct.

The punishments for each of the two charges range from demotion and imprisonment in police custody to dismissal. All the suspects pleaded not guilty, before court was adjourned to Monday July 25 at 2pm for hearing.

On Monday, five police constables and a crime preventer Mr Dan Tandeka, a former guard in Iraq were charged with the same offences when under the command of a senior police officer, they allegedly beat up civilians, who were cheering Dr Besigye after release from Luzira on treason charges.