national 16 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
President Museveni's Directives on Suspect Arrests Face Ongoing Challenges
President Museveni has reiterated directives for security forces on the humane handling of suspects, emphasizing adherence to legal procedures following a history of arbitrary arrests and torture. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-s-guidelines-on-arrest-of-suspects-5499212
President Yoweri Museveni has once again issued strict guidelines to Ugandan security agencies concerning the arrest and treatment of suspects, aiming to curb excesses that have marred law enforcement operations.
The directives, first articulated in a 2018 letter titled “Guidelines on managing rioters, terrorists, criminals and looters and methods of arresting and handling suspects,” stressed the importance of respecting the dignity of all individuals, whether citizens or foreign visitors.
“The fundamental starting point is the NRA principle of being an army of the people… These must never be beaten, pushed or be barked at for any reason,” President Museveni stated in his previous communication, underscoring a commitment to humane treatment.
Key recommendations from the President include the requirement for arresting officers to clearly identify themselves to the public. He also advised against the routine involvement of specialized units like the Special Forces Command (SFC), Military Police, and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) in standard police work, suggesting their deployment should be an exception rather than the norm.
Furthermore, the President explicitly banned the beating of suspects, even after apprehension, stating that any form of physical abuse should cease once an individual is under control.
In a more recent communication on December 23, 2023, ahead of the festive season, President Museveni again condemned illegal arrests and detention periods exceeding the 48-hour legal limit. He urged citizens and leaders to meticulously document instances of unlawful detentions and report them to the relevant authorities for action.
Despite these clear directives issued over several years, reports suggest that instances of arbitrary arrests and alleged mistreatment continue to be a concern, indicating persistent challenges in fully implementing the President’s guidelines within the security apparatus.
This story was first reported in the Daily Monitor.