KAMPALA — The Uganda Police Force has opened a review into the arrest and release on police bond of a suspect in a domestic violence and alleged theft of land documents case after a police officer publicly questioned how the matter was handled.
The review follows a video circulating on social media in which Corporal Mukolerwa Fatina raised concerns over the release of the suspect, whose case is registered under CRB 70/2024.
Police said the complaint was lodged by the suspect’s estranged husband and that Cpl. Mukolerwa arrested the suspect at her home in Bulamu, Kasangati.
The Force said a confrontation reportedly occurred between the officer and the suspect during and after the arrest.
The circumstances surrounding the suspect’s release, however, became a point of contention after police were informed that the suspect’s two children had allegedly been left unattended inside the locked home following her arrest.
One of the children is estimated to be seven years old.
According to a statement issued by police on Sunday, the Kasangati Division Police Commander (DPC) was tasked with verifying the children’s welfare.
Police said the DPC subsequently authorised the suspect’s release on police bond after considering the circumstances and the need to safeguard the children.
“The release of a suspect on police bond does not terminate investigations or amount to an acquittal,” the Force said.
The suspect, police added, remains subject to investigations and will be required to report whenever summoned.
Police to establish what happened
Police Management said it had taken interest in the concerns raised by Cpl. Mukolerwa and would establish the full circumstances surrounding the arrest, the treatment of the suspect and the decision to release her on bond.
The review could shed light on the events that preceded and followed the arrest, as well as whether established police procedures were followed.
The Force said officers who believe that professional standards, procedures or the law have been breached should use established institutional channels to raise their concerns.
These include the Professional Standards Unit and the various police command structures responsible for handling complaints, grievances and allegations of misconduct.
But police also cautioned Cpl. Mukolerwa and other officers against taking internal grievances to social media.
“While every officer has a right to be heard, the use of informal communication spaces and social-media platforms to pursue internal grievances is improper and unprofessional,” the Force said.
Police said officers are expected to maintain discipline, confidentiality and restraint and to respect the established chain of command, particularly when a matter is still under investigation.
Force promises fair hearing
Despite the caution, police said officers have a right to raise concerns and promised that the matter would be handled fairly.
The Force said it was committed to ensuring justice for members of the public as well as its own officers.
“All complaints and grievances will be handled fairly, impartially and through the established legal, disciplinary and administrative mechanisms, with due regard to the rights, welfare and dignity of every person involved,” police said.
The Force’s review comes as the video posted by Cpl. Mukolerwa continues to attract attention online, putting renewed focus on the circumstances under which the suspect was arrested and subsequently released on police bond.
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