Police in Kampala have filed charges of aggravated robbery and assault against Lieutenant Samson Amo of the Special Forces Command (SFC) and 12 other soldiers who allegedly raided Lubowa Police Station on Tuesday afternoon. it is reported by SP Salama Namutosi, the Kajjansi Division Police Commander (DPC), Lt. Amo physically assaulted Lubowa Police Station Commander, ASP Innocent Sunday, along with four junior officers.
The police officers reportedly assaulted during the incident include IP Claire Kisa, Sgt. Kabaho, Sgt. Njose, and Constable Tubwita. SP Namutosi noted that the incident began around 2 p.m., when ASP Sunday received a phone call from someone identifying himself as Lt. Samson Amo, affiliated with the UPDF (SFC). Amo reportedly asked the officer to detain several suspects arrested during an operation in Lubowa.
“When the OC asked about the nature of the operation and the charges against the suspects, Lt. Amo responded with insults, calling him stupid,” SP Namutosi stated. ASP Sunday then invited Lt. Amo and RA 250778 Private Opio Emmanuel into his office to clarify the matter before detaining the suspects.
While ASP Sunday was still in discussions with the soldiers, a group of approximately 12 armed UPDF personnel arrived at the station in a vehicle registered M/V H4DF 3348. They reportedly surrounded the premises and held everyone at gunpoint.
“They beat me and other officers who were on duty. They also assaulted civilians who were present at the station. The ordeal lasted about 5–10 minutes before the soldiers drove off as a crowd began to gather,” ASP Sunday reported.
Police say the eight individuals brought to the station by Lt. Amo were severely beaten, with six currently admitted at Doctor’s Hospital. The reasons behind their arrest remain unclear, as Lt. Amo allegedly failed to provide an explanation to the OC.
Authorities have also reported that the number of assaulted civilians is yet to be determined, as many fled the scene. Additionally, three police officers’ mobile phones were stolen, along with an undetermined number of phones and other belongings from civilians.
“I responded and evacuated the injured victims to Doctor’s Hospital. We have opened a case of aggravated robbery and attempted murder against Lt. Samson Amo and others,” SP Namutosi said.
Police commanders including RPC Kampala South have since responded and directed that PF3 medical forms be issued to the victims. Lubowa Police Station has been reinforced with six additional officers to replace the injured personnel. “The situation is now under control. Investigations are ongoing into both the arrests made by the soldiers and their conduct,” SP Namutosi reported.
UPDF’s Acting Defence Public Information Officer (DPIO) had not yet issued any explanation regarding the attack on Lubowa police station and act the army has taken against its soldiers. Such incidents have often in Kampala metropolitan in areas of Kisekka, Mukono and Wakiso.