Former Buyende District Police Commander, Muhammad Kirumira has been demoted in rank for arresting a Police Flying Squad operative which the Police tribunal said was unnecessary exercise of power.
Kirumira who has been an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) has been demoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) pending the final confirmation of the Police Council.
He was convicted on four counts of unlawful use of authority where Kirumira is accused of using unnecessary authority by parading suspects who were operatives of the flying squad.
In its judgement, the tribunal sitting at the Naguru Police headquarters on Thursday also gave Kirumira three reprimands (severe warnings) on the charges of; neglect of duty, arrest of Kamada Kaizi and ordering him to vacate the village, and unnecessary to the prejudice of exposing Nsubuga Ibrahim a former operative of Flying Squad.
Proceedings lasted the entire day until 3pm when the long awaited judgment was delivered.
Meanwhile, of the 8 remaining cases of unlawful use of authority and corrupt practices, the tribunal acquitted Kirumira of 3 charges of corrupt practices and extortion which were to the prejudice of kyalisiima Peace and Kaleefu Robert.
He was further acquitted of one count of unlawful use of authority to the prejudice of Awongi Kefa.
But Kirumira says he is ready to challenge the judgments on grouds of wrongful conviction, basing judgment on speculation and probability without considering collaboration in evidence, point of law and miscarriage of justice.
“Very soon we shall go back to court to hear sentences. Sentences given by police court are mere recommendations and must be confirmed by the Police Council whichwill sit next year. But before then, I have the right to make an appeal against the Attorney General and Police on such wrongful convictions,” Kirumira said.
“These punishments are weak and we are going to challenge them in court because they were based on consultations between the court and Police administration on how they would proceed with my case,” he added.
Kirumira maintains that he remains unshaken on his decision to quit the Police Force. He said that he plans to join politics as a Member of Parliament.
While addressing the press after the judgment, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sam Omara who stood surety for Kirumira said the process was peaceful and that he was happy.
“The procedure went smoothly. Kirumira’s case has ended today and my surety has also ended today. I am very happy as the mediator that the case has gone peacefully,” Omara said.
Journalists, and the relatives of Kirumira were locked out of the tribunal premises raising questions on why the tribunal did not want the judgment to be public.
Kirumira’s troubles stemmed from his decision earlier this year to resign from the Police decrying what he called trumped up charges and witch-hunt by the Police administration.