Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have spoken out on a video circulating on social media of a person being flogged by both soldiers and civilians.
“We have learnt, that civilians in Lagot village, Mucwini Sub- County, Kitgum District arrested a suspected thief, declined to take him to police but chose to carry out mob justice,” said Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye.
According to Gen Kulayigye, locals contacted the RDC Kitgum who discouraged them against mob justice.
“The LC 3 chairman and GISO then chose to take the suspect to a local UPDF detach where the detach commander, regrettably allowed this heinous act, without the knowledge of his unit commander.”
He said the soldiers have been arrested and a public trial is to be conducted to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
“The UPDF condemns mob justice, whether by civilians or soldiers. No one has a right to administer such punishment as corporal punishment and any form of torture are unconstitutional in the laws of Uganda,” he said.
He added: “The laws provide a clear procedure guiding the arrest/detention of suspects. We shall continue to ensure strict observance of the rule of law.”