The Territorial police at Rwizi Region in Mbarara has suspended 4 of its officers for causing a public nuisance act after they stormed a wedding reception at Kakiika Technical Institute on the 20.08.2022, and arrested the bride at around 8pm, on a sanctioned charges of theft of Ugx8 million. They drove her to the central police station in Mbarara where she was detained.
Rise News Uganda in-depth reporters have established that on 06.07.2022, a one Mirembe Henry – the former employer of the bride identified as Christine Natuhwere who was working for him as a bank agent for Centenary Bank at BNK building high street in Mbarara city, opened a case of alleged theft of Ugx8 million against her. The matter was investigated and the case file submitted to the Resident State Attorney Mbarara on the 18.07.2022, who advised the parties to seek a civil remedy. However, on the 5.08.2022, the file was called by the Regional DPP following a petition from the complainant. He re-perused the case file and sanctioned the charges of theft against the suspect on the 11.08.2022. The case file was returned to police on 19.08.2022.
The following day on 20.08.2022, the officers in connivance with the complainant caused a public nuisance act after they stormed the wedding reception at Kakiika Technical Institute in Mbarara North Division at 8pm, arrested the bride, placed her in the complainant’s vehicle and drove her to the police where she was detained.
CODE OF CONDUCT. Although it’s a duty of an officer to execute arrest and produce suspects in court over sanctioned criminal charges, in this very matter, the conduct of the officers was reprehensible, based on poor judgment and corruption.
The Regional Police Commander-Rwizi, SSP Ezekiel Emitu upon learning about the incident, he ordered the immediate release of the bride and extended apologies to the bride, the groom, family, in-laws, friend, guests and the church which wedded them.
In addition, he caused for the suspension of the 4 officers; Sgt Richard Ngabirano, DC Adio Caroline, DC Muganyizi Atugonza and DC Ayesiga Morris and further charged them for discreditable conduct, which upon conviction, warrants a dismissal from the force. By press time, one suspect Sgt. Ngabirano Richard was arrested and in police custody, while the other 3 officers are still at large – with efforts to arrest and bring them to book underway.
