Police speak out on Buddo forced arrests, torture claims in viral clip

Kampala, (UG):- Police have dismissed ‘as fake’ the allegations making rounds on social media about private vehicles reportedly belonging to security forces used to forcibly arrest young people in the Buddo-Nakasozi area and implicate them in criminal activities.

The police response came after a video widely shared online showed an unidentified man and woman claiming that individuals are being taken to Buddo Junior Police Post, where they are allegedly forced to hold machetes for staged photographs aimed at falsely branding them as criminals.

The duo further allege in the video that those who refuse to participate in the scheme are subjected to torture by their arrestors and hence called upon residents of Nakasozi to stage a protest at Buddo Junior Police Post.

Addressing rumours regarding the reports on Monday, Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma refuted the claims and said, investigations had been launched to establish facts behind the move.

“The Uganda Police Force took up the matter and launched an investigation. Preliminary inquiries reveal that the local council is unaware of these concerns,” he said.

Kituuma also clarified that Buddo Junior Police Post is not fully operational due to ongoing construction, further invalidating the claims in the viral video.

“We also need to bring it to your attention that Buddo Junior Police Post is not fully operational due to ongoing construction, with all police cases being handled at Buddo Kings College Police Post,” the police spokesperson emphasized.

“Similar allegations have been made before by individuals seeking attention and creating social media content through irresponsible and subversive methods. Therefore, we shall investigate the allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action due to their security implications,” he added.

Kituuma, therefore, urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic and tension. He assured that the police is committed to ensuring security in the Buddo-Nakasozi area and will provide updates on the ongoing investigations.