Police has in Custody over 13 police officers that were captured on Closed Circuit Television – CCTV cameras torturing teenagers at the home of Sheikh Yunus Kamoga in Tula, Kawempe Division in Kampala.

The video that went viral has sparked a public debate and outrage from sections of the Muslim Community, including the Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association which threatened not to sit still as police officers were seen unleashing brutality on the teenagers walking freely.

The video clip captured Law Enforcement Officers, breaking and entering into the home of Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga and they started assaulting, kicking, gun butting and torturing victims.

According to the police spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga, said that they have seen an online statement from the Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association (UMLAS), expressing dismay and condemnation of the alleged raid, attacks, breaking and related unlawful actions, at the residence of Amir Ummar, Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga.

SCP Fred Enanga during the press conference courtesy video

“We would like to assure the Muslim Community that 13 officers who participated in the raid have been suspended and scheduled to appear before the disciplinary court. They also remain under investigation for torture and aggressive behavior, pending retrieval of medical forms issued to the victims,” said Enanga.

He went on and added that the police officers responded to complaints from parents, whose children went missing from schools and homes, and were traced to the alleged rehabilitation center at Ttula – Kawempe. While at the premises, our officers were denied entry, initially for unknown reasons, which prompted a break in and entry.

The police and military raided Kamoga’s home on June 2, 2023, on claims that he was radicalizing 32 teenagers and other youth. This number has since increased to 45 according to security agencies.

“Every lawyer in this country, knows very well, that the police have powers to break-in or out of any premise, if there are reasonable grounds. It was, therefore, not unlawful to break and enter into the home,” Enanga added.

He went ahead and said that the only challenge they had, is that the officers did not display the right professional attitude, the force and the public expected of them. The abusive and excessive use of force violated both the police code of conduct and the rights of victims.

However, the President of the UMLA, Kankaka Ali, accuses the Police Spokesperson of telling lies and innuendos, we find it important for him to also avail the public with clear records of the alleged rehabilitation center, consent forms of parents, entry records/visas of children from the DRC and Rwanda, the teaching curriculum at the Centre, records of graduates and their whereabouts among others.

Police will continue to work together with the entire Muslim fraternity, to combat negative misconceptions of violence and hatred by Law Enforcement Personnel. And further promote values that advocate tolerance, dialogue, and acceptance of each other.