Outrage as Ugandan army guards assault female traffic officer for doing her job.
Ugandans have expressed anger over reports that a female traffic officer on duty had been assaulted by the military escort of Major General Matayo Kyaligonza, the country’s ambassador to Burundi.
Kyaligonza and two military police soldiers were seen in a video clip shared on social media harassing Sergeant Esther Namaganda who had stopped them from making a U-turn in the middle of a road leading to the capital, Kampala on Sunday.
A complaint filed by the alleged victim stated that the driver of the vehicle in which Kyaligonza was moving, tried to make a u-turn in the middle of the road.
However, two military police officers and Kyaligonza “pounced on her when she tried to direct them to the right turning point.”
Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson, Brigadier General Richard Karemire, said that the two soldiers – Lance Corporal Peter Bushindiki and Private Okurut John Robert – have been arrested as investigations continue.
“They are now held at Military Police Headquarters. We reiterate our commitment to ensuring discipline of all ranks,” said Karemire, who also apologized to the victim.
“It is very regrettable and apologies to our police sister. UPDF and UPF are establishing the facts. Findings will guide action to be taken,” he said
Meanwhile, police have opened a case file of threatening violence and assault against Kyaligonza, who is seen dressed in a white shirt in the viral video of the incident, the Daily Monitor reports.
From the footage which has been condemned by activists, he did not
Kyaligonza, a retired army officer and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) vice chairperson for western region, is a member of army High Command. He is, however, surrounded
In 1989, he was demoted for slapping a police officer. In May last year, he was also accused of beating up his neighbour after a disagreement over land boundaries, said the Daily Monitor
In August that same year, it was also reported that UPDF soldiers guarding the home of the ambassador allegedly beat a resident to death following a disagreement at a construction site belonging to the major general
These are some of the many cases in which army personnel have been involved, but most of them go without being investigated to a conclusion, the Daily Monitor said.
For his role in the liberation struggle which brought President Yoweri Museveni into power three decades ago, it remains to be seen how the latest incident will be investigated.
Here’s how people are reacting to the development:
Maj Gen Matayo Kyaligonza has a long history of impunity. And he & his guards are attacking a traffic officer who is enforcing the law as tasked by their government! Where does that leave us? These fellows are a scourge on the land.
— Charles Onyango-Obbo (@cobbo3) February 24, 2019
Thank God in Uganda no one resigns for abuse of duty or any gross misconduct, otherwise this Gen. wld be history
— Jackie Oloya ?? ??? (@jackie_oloya) February 24, 2019
A Ugandan diplomat you say? So this is Ugandan diplomacy?
— Mwenda Ikiara ?? (@ikiara_mwenda) February 24, 2019
This is impunity of the highest order.
— Jonathan Maraka Jr (@MarakaJr) February 24, 2019
This is so degrading
— Ismail H ??⭐ (@IsmailH256Envt) February 24, 2019
What a shame to see in broad daylight.
— Muta ? (@Otatiina) February 24, 2019
And their still promoting Generals
— lawrence mugisa achi (@AchiMugisa) February 24, 2019
Am sorry iwont give him any titles or ranks but #MatayoKyaligonza has always been so controversial just like #KahindaOtafiire, #MwesigwaRukutana, Kasirye Gwanga & #JimMuhwezi. Recall these were senior school guys when they went 2the bush &others were bank robbers. @DailyMonitor
— CHANGEis coming2 UGANDA (@Coming2Uganda) February 24, 2019
It’s only mzee to call to order and discipline his buddies who go on to shame the good services rendered by other uniformed officers.
This guy just even don’t deserve to be an ambassador— Sjackson (@SekJackson) February 24, 2019
For me I’m waiting to see Esther Namaganda’s (traffic officer) name on the next Heroes’ Day’s honours list. And please don’t wake me out of my dream until it becomes true.
— Dominic Kibuga (@dkibuga) February 24, 2019
This is unacceptable. The culprits should expeditiously brought to book to deter future ‘re – occurrence.
— Paul Kilimi (@paul_kilimi) February 24, 2019
That military mentality remained in all of them. Don’t blame them, blame the system
— Virgo Humpden (@VirgoHumpden1) February 25, 2019
