Police Expose City Scribe In Walk To Work Case

By Francis Otucu

The police have responded to summons requiring IGP Okoth Martin Ochola, Erasmus Twaruhuka , Rodgers Muhirwa and the Uganda Police Force to defend themselves against the torture charges slapped against them by a city journalist.

Gideone Tugume formerly working with local radio Capital FM had rushed to court challenging his torture by the defendants while on duty during the walk to work protests of 2011.

According to High Court summons, IGP Ochola, Twaruhuka, Muhirwa and the police are to make a defence within 15 days beginning 24th January, 2019 before the High Court of Uganda at Kampala under Civil Suit No. 019/2019.

However, in a statement yesterday, the force’s spokesman Fred Enanga said the summons had been overtaken by events since there was an agreement and partial compensation given to Tugume.

“We would like to confirm that the plaintiff has already received part of the payment and the balance has been scheduled for payment during the 3rd quarter release from the Ministry of Finance. We do encourage Gideon Tugume , to exhibit a little more patience, as we await for the finance release,” Enanga explained.

He added: “We want to inform the public that on the 25th, July, 2017, a consent order by mutual understanding, for an out of court settlement was amicably arrived at, to pay special and general damages for the unlawful wounding. We want to assure the public that this is a strong indication of our commitment to working with journalists to address their concerns. We further encourage them and all members of the public to always seek damages for loss or injuries arising from inadequate treatment from police officers.”

He explained that the matter arose from a regrettable incident that occurred on the 12th may 2011, where the plaintiff, Tugume, was shot in the right knee by the Police at Kibuye round about while on duty as a journalist, then working with Capital FM.

Enanga assured the public that: “We are happy to inform you that following the issuance of guidelines on working with the media by the Inspector General of Police, there is marked improvement in the police –media relations and we reiterate our commitment in ensuring all officers understand their responsibilities to the media and its practitioners.”