Police probe bond release of domestic violence suspect after officer’s social media complaint

What the report says

The Uganda Police Force has begun reviewing how officers handled the arrest and later release on bond of a woman accused in a domestic violence complaint and alleged theft of land documents, after one officer publicly raised objections on social media. The matter is linked to case CRB 70/2024 and was reported in Kampala, with the arrest taking place at the suspect’s home in Bulamu, Kasangati.

According to police, the complaint came from the suspect’s estranged husband, and Corporal Mukolerwa Fatina carried out the arrest. Police said a disagreement followed during and after the operation, and the circumstances became more contentious when the force was informed that the suspect’s two children may have been left inside the locked home after she was taken away. One child was said to be about seven years old.

Police said the Kasangati Division Police Commander was asked to verify the children’s welfare before authorizing the suspect’s release on police bond. The force stressed that release on bond does not end an investigation or amount to an acquittal, and said the suspect remains required to cooperate if summoned.

The review will examine the arrest, the treatment of the suspect and whether procedure was followed. Police also cautioned officers against using social media for internal grievances, while saying complaints will still be handled through fair and established disciplinary channels.