By Andrew Irumba
Kasangati: Two Uganda police officers were on Monday arrested for allegedly torturing a suspect in custody, who later died as a result of the injuries he sustained at their hands.
The suspects were identified as Corporal Robinah Namagaru and Police Constable William Mugodi, who are accused of torturing Alex Lubiika, which led to his death.
The Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, said the accused officers claim to have rescued Lubiika from a charged mob that was assaulting him on suspicion of stealing a goat.
The two police officers attached to Kasangati Police Station, in Wakiso District, were picked up by the Police Professional Standards Unit (PSU) in liaison with Kampala Metropolitan Police.
Their colleague identified as Jimmy Rugambamazima is at large.
Lubiika was found dead inside in police cells on Friday morning with wounds all over his body.
“The officers say on August 8 a suspect was brought in with a goat exhibit by 999 Patrol vehicles. A group of people pounced on him when he was disembarking. Police had to come in and save him,” Owoyesigyire said.
Owoyesigyire added that even if the police officer’s version of events is true, they would still be charged with negligence.
He argued that the suspect should have been taken to a medical facility for treatment instead of being dumped in police cells.
He however noted that that the Police have widened their investigations to establish whether the suspect was brought with injuries or sustained the wounds after being tortured while in police custody, which is illegal.
