Museveni's Directives on Suspect Arrests Offer Little Protection Years Later

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has previously issued directives aimed at ensuring fair treatment and lawful procedures during the arrest and handling of crime suspects. These guidelines, first articulated in a letter dated October 23, 2018, emphasize the NRA’s principle of being an “army of the people” and treating all individuals, whether citizens or foreign guests, with dignity.

The President explicitly forbade security personnel from resorting to violence, stating that individuals should “never be beaten, pushed or be barked at for any reason.” He further stressed the importance of arresting officers identifying themselves to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability.

In these directives, Museveni also discouraged the involvement of specialized units like the Special Forces Command (SFC), Military Police, and military intelligence in routine law and order duties, attributing their earlier involvement to issues within the police force. The ban on beating suspects extended beyond the point of apprehension, stipulating that such mistreatment must cease once an individual is restrained.

Despite these clear instructions, reports and incidents suggest that these guidelines have not been consistently followed. In a subsequent communication on December 23, 2023, ahead of festive periods, Museveni reiterated his condemnation of illegal arrests and detention beyond the stipulated 48-hour limit. He urged the public and leaders to document such violations and report them to the relevant authorities for action.

The persistent occurrence of arbitrary arrests and mistreatment, as suggested by various incidents, highlights a significant gap between presidential directives and their implementation on the ground, raising concerns about the rule of law and human rights protections in Uganda.

Read more on this story here: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-s-guidelines-on-arrest-of-suspects-5499212