The Uganda Police Force has officially issued a statement regarding a disturbing and violent incident that occurred at Lubowa Police Station on the afternoon of April 30, 2025.
According to the report released by Kajjansi Police Division under Kampala Metropolitan South, a group of armed UPDF soldiers, allegedly attached to the Special Forces Command (SFC), assaulted police officers and civilians, robbed property, and disrupted police operations in what is being described as a gross abuse of authority.
The statement details that the chaos began around 2:00 PM, when ASP Sunday Innocent, Officer-in-Charge of Lubowa Police Station, received a call from an individual who identified himself as Lt. Samson Amo of the UPDF. Lt. Amo demanded that eight individuals — allegedly arrested during an operation in Lubowa — be detained at the station. When the OC asked for details about the operation and the offenses the suspects were being held for, Lt. Amo responded with insults, calling the OC “stupid.”
In a professional attempt to resolve the matter, ASP Sunday invited Lt. Amo and another officer, Private Opio Emmanuel (RA 250778), into his office to clarify the issue. But before any explanation could be given, a group of approximately 12 armed soldiers in a military vehicle (Reg No. H4DF 3348) suddenly stormed the station. They surrounded the premises, put police officers at gunpoint, and began violently beating both officers and civilians present.
The attack lasted between five to ten minutes, during which the soldiers assaulted multiple officers, robbed their mobile phones, and injured civilians who had come to the station for police services. The violence only ceased after members of the community gathered in response to the commotion, prompting the armed group to flee.
The police statement confirms that the following officers were physically assaulted and had their phones stolen:
ASP Sunday Innocent
D/IP Kisa Claire
Sgt Kabaho
D/Sgt Njose
D/C Tubwita
The number of injured civilians remains unknown, as many fled the scene in fear and have yet to return to report or record statements. Additionally, property belonging to some of these civilians, including mobile phones, was stolen during the assault.
Further compounding the concern, the eight suspects brought in by Lt. Amo were found to be badly beaten — six of them so severely that they are now admitted at Doctor’s Hospital in Seguku for treatment. The police report clearly states that Lt. Amo failed to explain why these individuals were arrested or under what authority the alleged operation was conducted.
In response to the incident, the Division Police Commander, SP Namutosi Salama, swiftly arrived at the scene, evacuated the injured, and initiated formal investigations. A case of Aggravated Robbery and Attempted Murder has now been opened against Lt. Samson Amo and the other unidentified soldiers involved.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police leadership has taken additional measures, including:
Issuing medical forms (PF3) to all victims
Reinforcing Lubowa Police Station with six more personnel
Launching a full inquiry into the conduct of the UPDF officers and the reasons behind the arrests
As of now, the situation at Lubowa Police Station is reported to be under control. However, the Uganda Police Force has emphasized that investigations will continue, and those responsible for this unprovoked and unlawful act will be held accountable.
The incident has drawn widespread concern from the public and raised critical questions about the relationship between security agencies, the respect for rule of law, and the safety of civilians and police officers alike.
