Boda Boda Rider Alleges Torture by Police at Mbarara's Katete Station

Junior Musa, a 45-year-old boda boda rider from Katete Central in Mbarara City South Division, accuses police at Katete Police Station of torturing him during interrogation over a stolen vehicle.

Arrested on April 18 as he left home for work, Musa was taken to the station by several officers, including two armed ones. What began as a request for a statement escalated when he denied involvement after being shown a video of the theft.

One officer allegedly warned him to ‘answer peacefully or forcefully’ before moving him to an empty room. There, officer Agaba reportedly beat him with a wire for three hours, causing vomiting and serious bruises across his body.

Musa’s condition worsened, leading to a police bond for treatment. He was admitted to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital until his discharge on Tuesday and continues to suffer pain, unable to ride his motorcycle.

He demands justice, full medical bill coverage, compensation for lost time, and disciplinary action against the officers.

Rwizi Region Police spokesperson SP Samson Kasasira confirmed awareness of the incident. Police visited Musa in hospital, suspecting possible motorcycle impact during a raid, and have issued a medical form for injury examination.

A general inquiries file is open to probe both the alleged torture and the theft circumstances, with findings to be shared publicly.

The 2025 Police Annual Crime Report notes Rwizi Region had 13,416 cases, second to Kampala Metropolitan Police South’s 13,950.

Source: Daily Monitor