KAMPALA – Police leadership confirmed plans to summon and charge the Ugandan Ambassador to Burundi, Rt. Maj. Gen. Matayo Kyaligonza for the impunity he unleashed on a traffic policewoman.
The retired general and his bodyguards on Sunday morning were seen in a video physically assaulting Sgt. Esther Namaganda in Seeta, Mukono where they also harassed a journalist.
It is reported that a scuffle ensued after Namanda, (the assaulted officer) allegedly tried to stop the vehicle in which Kyaligonza was travelling for allegedly breaking traffic rules.
The high profiled officer and NRM CEC top member had allegedly made a U-turn in the middle of the road contrary to traffic rules.
UBC TV journalist Peter Otai who took the pictures, says one of the ambassador’s soldiers, Okurut (as per his name tag) even attempted to stab him with a sword but missed him.
The two bodyguards have since been arrested and are currently detained at the Military Police Headquarters in Makindye, the UPDF spokesman Brig Richard Karemire has confirmed.
“We wish to inform the public that as investigations into circumstances that led to the Seeta incident continue, UPDF has arrested RA/221607 L/CPL Bushindiki Peter and RA/230927 Pte Okurut John Robert,” Brig Karemire said.
In a press statement issued Monday, February police said Gen Kyaligonza is going to be summoned through the Foreign Affairs Ministry in respect of protocol.
“As a matter of protocol, the team will through the police leadership cause for the summoning of H.E.
The Ambassador Major General (rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on probable charges of assault and wrongful obstruction of an officer on duty,” said part of the statement.
“The Police yesterday, 24/02/2019, acknowledged apologies from its Sister Security Agency, the UPDF over the manner in which our officer, Sgt Namaganda Esther was treated by its officers while on official duty,” added the statement.
Police have equally condemned the incident and praised Sgt. Namaganda for exercising restraint.
“We want to strongly condemn such acts of brutality upon our officers, and do further congratulate our officer on the degree of patience and restraint exhibited. We are observing her treatment and speedy recovery from the injuries and trauma suffered from the incident. This is one example of the risks all police officers face as they work to protect the citizens they serve.”
