Deputy Chief of Defense Forces (D-CDF) Gen Peter Elwelu has apologized to Uganda Police Force (UPF) and all Ugandans following an incident in which a UPDF officer was filmed assaulting a traffic police officer on duty.
In his communication at the start of May 11 plenary, deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa condemned the actions of the military officers who have made it a habit to harass traffic officers on duty. Tayebwa, also the Ruhinda North MP, vowed to report the issue of errant UPDF officers to President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, the commander-in-chief (CiC) of the Ugandan armed forces.
“We are going to bring this to the attention of the commander in chief. If this happens amongst armed forces, what would happen to us civilians?” wondered deputy speaker Tayebwa.
In response, D-CDF Lt Gen Elwelu, a UPDF representative in Parliament, apologized to UPF and Ugandans, saying the incident was regrettable. Lt Gen Elwelu claimed that the suspected military officer has since been arrested and will be prosecuted in the temple of justice.
“I sincerely apologize to the Uganda Police Force and all Ugandans. It is unacceptable and unforgivable. The soldier has been arrested and is facing court,” said Elwelu.
Kalungu East MP Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu noted that the military was acting with impunity and that the CiC and the top commanders needed to rein in their officers and control them. “The military police is supposed to discipline the army but what they are doing now is unacceptable,” said Ssewungu.
A video shared online showed a military officer dragging a traffic policeman by the collar in an assault incident that shocked Ugandans. The traffic police officer had reportedly refused to clear the way for the UPDF officer in the midst of thick traffic jam. (Read Story Here).
The incident came months after another military officer shot a traffic police officer. The policeman’s shot leg has since been cut off. (Read Story Here).
