Bunyoro Minister, Leaders Accuse Police, Courts of Favoring the Wealthy

Leaders in Hoima, spearheaded by Bunyoro Affairs Minister Grace Mary Mugasa, and concerned local residents have raised serious allegations against law enforcement and judicial officials. They claim these individuals are increasingly favouring wealthy litigants, particularly in land disputes, leaving the less privileged struggling to access justice.

The strong sentiments were aired during a community meeting organized by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Hoima.

Residents and local officials described a pattern where powerful individuals allegedly influence police and court decisions. Minister Mugasa shared distressing accounts of individuals being arrested, swiftly brought before courts, and remanded, reportedly due to the influence of wealthy parties.

“I’m told of 14 people who were arrested immediately taken to court and remanded to prison, because there is a rich person behind,” Mugasa stated, vowing to visit the courts and police to address these concerns and prevent discrimination in the application of the law.

Hoima City Mayor Edward Isingoma corroborated these claims, reporting that residents frequently complain of being evicted from their land with the alleged complicity of police officers. He noted that some victims are openly told by police that a poor person cannot win a case.

One resident, Ibrahim Asera, accused the police and courts of colluding with a wealthy individual in a timber trade matter that resulted in a loss of USD 30,000. He lamented that his case files have repeatedly gone missing when he seeks updates.

Concerns were raised that if the justice system fails to provide fair outcomes, aggrieved citizens might resort to mob justice, a situation the NRM government has strived to prevent by establishing systems for fair trials.

Responding to the accusations, the Deputy Regional Police Commander, Titus Byaruhanga, acknowledged challenges, including threats from senior government officials seeking to influence investigations. He assured that the police strive for fairness but are sometimes hindered by such external pressures.

The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, George William Byansi, assured attendees that the ODPP has noted all accusations and will conduct thorough investigations, promising swift action against any staff found guilty.

These issues were discussed during a community baraza focused on addressing gender-based violence, land crimes, and refugee protection, organized by the ODPP in collaboration with development partners.

This report is based on information from Nile Post.