Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-08 18:01:50
Three women were arrested by police in Kampala Metropolitan Area (KMP) for inciting violence during a protest at the headquarters in Kampala. The suspects, Nana Namata Mwafirika, Phiona Arinatwe, and Night Asara, were detained at Jinja road police station after their peaceful demonstration at Naguru police headquarters over delayed compensation for police brutality.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the women were arrested for inciting violence during their demonstration on Women’s Day. The police responded to their protest and took them into custody at Jinja road police station. Owoyesigyire emphasized that such demonstrations are unlawful, especially at a security installation like a police headquarters where daily security matters are managed.
The suspects had notified the police beforehand about their demonstration but were taken into custody when they started inviting the public to join them. The police intervened to prevent any potential mass demonstration at the police premises due to safety concerns. Nana Namata, one of the arrested women, stated that the high court had ordered the police to compensate her with Shs43 million in 2019 for a case where she was brutalized by the force. However, she has not received the compensation yet.
The women expressed their dissatisfaction with the delayed compensation, citing the impact of police brutality on their lives. Namata highlighted how police torture had taken away her rights as a woman, leading to the loss of her uterus. She demanded justice and urged the police to honor court decisions and pay the compensation for human rights violations. Asara also questioned the government’s prioritization of funds, pointing out the misuse of money in various events while neglecting victims of police brutality.
The 2022 Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) report highlighted the prevalence of human rights violations by the police in Uganda. Out of 691 complaints registered by the commission, 411 were against the police, indicating a significant issue with human rights abuses by law enforcement. This underscores the need for accountability and reform within the police force to address these violations and ensure justice for victims.
In conclusion, the arrest of these women for peacefully protesting delayed compensation for police brutality sheds light on the broader issue of human rights violations in Uganda. The authorities must address these concerns and ensure that justice is served to the victims of police brutality. Upholding human rights and holding accountable those responsible for violations is crucial for a just and inclusive society.
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