The Territorial Police in KMP in close coordination with the Professional Standards Unit, has suspended two police officers and charged them discreditable conduct, after they confronted a local Askari, who had locked them inside Ms. Harchar International Labour Company. During the confrontation, they were centered branding a gun on video, amidst threats to shoot the Askari who had locked the gate on the instructions, of the company Director, blocking the detectives from existing the premises. Two other separate casefiles of unlawful confinement and obstruction of officers on lawful duty, and the third case of alleged Human trafficking in persons, continue to be investigated separately.
The facts gathered indicate that the labour company, located in Luwafu Makindye that allegedly deals in the export of labour, acted as representatives of Nakiboneka Solome, aged 29 and her liaison to Ms. Rwabi Mina recruitment offices based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that recruited her. On the 3.12.2022, the victim travelled on a visitor’s Visa, that was valid for 90 days, from the 28.11.2022 till the 26.02.2023.
She was however, enrolled by Rwabi Mina recruitment office as a domestic worker, and a standard Employment contract, entered between Mr. Saud Wasi Alotaibi, as the employer of Nakiboneka Solome, and her representatives, for a duration of two years effective from the 3.12.2022. During the month of February, 2023, news circulated on social media and TikTok, indicating that the victim was allegedly tortured, sexually assaulted, and in need of rescue. Her communication was later cut off and she was presumed dead, which prompted her sister Nalule Christine of Kibibi Butambala, to register a case of alleged trafficking in persons and suspected murder at Katwe division.
It is against this background that 3 detectives led by D/Sgt Kakai Esther, DC Rwashande Coleb and DC Twesigye Deus, who are investigating the complaint, went for inquiries, to establish the circumstances under which the victim was exported for labour, and whether the company was duly registered and licensed to operate in the export of labour. The Askari told them the Director was in the office, but surprisingly, the front desk officers at the reception Owomugisha Jackson and Awachango Salome told them both the Director and Manager were absent.
They went on to interview the staff and its during that process that the Director of the company, instructed the local Askari, to lock the gate and confine the 3 officers inside the premises, without any reason. This led to a confrontation, as the officers tried to use their powers, to cause the Askari open the gate. The situation escalated into an ugly scene with threats to shoot. Eventually the officers called for reinforcement and they were rescued. Four suspects who obstructed and confined the police officer were arrested. These include; Manano Jenaro, Awachango Solome, Nakirya Justin and Owomugisha Jackson. Efforts are in place to record statements from Okecha Richard and Omonya, the operations Manager, who instructed the local guard, to lock the officers inside the premises. Arrangement are also in place, to record a statement from Abdul Wahab, the Director Harchar International Labour Company.
Meanwhile, two detectives namely DC Rwashande Coleb and DC Twesigye Deus, were suspended and charged for discreditable conduct, after they acted unprofessionally and threatened to shoot on unarmed Askari. The situation could have escalated and caused injuries or a fatality. They however, managed to call for reinforcement and were rescued. The actions of the officers in the video is not indicative of the UPFs training and policing methods. And as you are all aware, as the UPF, we strive to deliver the highest quality of policing services to the community and we will continue to do so in a safe, effective, constitutional transparent and professional manner.
What is encouraging is that the majority of our police officers are doing a great job if keeping our communities safe, and upholding the law. We commend them for their good work.
SCP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
13th February 2023
