Kigezi Territorial Police Denies Allegations of Unlawful Arrests in Rubanda District.

The Kigezi territorial Police formally deny recent media reports suggesting that Kabale police improperly arrested individuals from Rubanda district.

This misleading claim, emerged during a district leadership meeting in Nyamweru sub county on Saturday, October 26, 2024, requires clarification as follows:

1.            The arrests in question were carried out by Kigezi regional police staff as part of their supervisory mandate. This authority allows the regional team to intervene in cases where local districts have not taken prompt action, particularly for serious offences or matters of public concern. This action was intended as a proactive measure to prevent potential unrest in the community.

2.            The case involved the mob killing of Joab Ainembabazi on October 12, 2024, in Nyamiyaga village, Nyamweru sub-county. Ainembabazi was accused of stealing a cow, detained, and then assaulted and burnt in a public display allegedly by local chairpersons and others. Despite witnesses, the suspects did not report the crime to the police, and Ainembabazi’s mother, Kyasimire Sadresi, reported the case at Nyamweru police station.

3.            On October 17, 2024, after Ainembabazi’s mother petitioned the regional Criminal Invesyigation Deparyment, CID for intervention. Three suspects were arrested, and detained pending court. The following day, a group from Rubanda district gathered at the regional office demanding the release of the suspects.Regional Police Commander ACP Saiga Ibrahim clarified that the arrests were conducted by regional staff, not Kabale police, and that police would seek legal guidance from the Resident State Attorney.

4.            According to the Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson Assistant Supretendant of Police Elly Maate says that, The police emphasize their stance against mob justice and state that:

a.            No one should take the life of another based on suspicion and expect to evade justice.

b.            The authority and mandate of the regional police stretches beyond district jurisdictions, and police operations are not restricted when addressing serious offences.

c.             Mob actions are harmful and often unjust.

d.            Lawful channels should be used to address crime, working with local leaders and authorities.

The police urge community members to condemn and reject mob actions and to work within the law to maintain peace and justice.