Police in Uganda have launched investigations after allegations made by an unidentified woman and man that police are using private vehicles to forcibly arrest young people before staging evidence to falsely implicate them as criminals.

In the video, the woman and man claim that the “forceful arrests” are happening in Buddo-Nakasozi area in Central Uganda.

The two further allege that those arrested are taken to Buddo Junior Police, where they are given machetes to hold for staged photographs intended to falsely implicate them as criminals. If one refuses to participate in this scheme, the duo claims, the are subjected to torture.

Addressing journalists at the Uganda Police Force headquarters in Kampala on Monday, February 10, Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said they are taking the claims seriously.

“We are probing allegations that police in Budo arrest young people, give them machetes to hold for staged photographs, and then falsely brand them as criminals,” Kituuma said.

In the said video, the two individuals were calling on the residents to gather and protest at Buddo Junior Police against what they describe as “injustice against innocent civilians”.

But according to Kituuma, police have since contacted the local administration in the area, but none recognise the two individuals featured in the video, and that they are not unaware of these complaints.

“We also need to bring it to your attention that Buddo Junior Police Post is not fully operational due to ongoing construction, with all police cases being handled at Buddo Kings College Police Post.  

“Similar allegations have been made before by individuals seeking attention and creating social media content through irresponsible and subversive methods, therefore, we shall investigate the allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action due to their security implications,” he adds.

Kituuma promised that the investigations will be impartial, and that appropriate action will be taken against any officers involved if the allegations are true. However, he warned that action will be taken against those spreading falsehoods against the police, if the allegations are found to be false.