Parents of a 19-year-old man who was beaten to death by a group of recently recruited election special police constables and police officers in Kamuli District are seeking justice.
Denis Sibira, a resident of Bugobi Zone, Busimba Ward, Namwendwa Town Council, was laid to rest in Namwendwa on January 3, 2026, following his attack on January 1, 2025.
The family wants a thorough and speedy investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sibira’s death and the errant officers to be held accountable.
Sibira’s father, Mr Ronald Kamali, attributed his son’s death to the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Namwendwa Police Station, whom he said has a history of conflict and poor relations with the community.
‘The OC refuses to delegate to junior officers and even goes as far as arresting female suspects. We are fed up with his conduct and demand that he be arrested and arraigned in court for his actions, or else public protests may follow,’ Mr Kamali said.
Christopher Waiswa, Emmanuel Saddu, and Ernest Kifuse, who were with the deceased, said they were heading to a night vigil at Namwendwa Catholic Church on December 31 when Election Police Constables(EPC) attacked them as their colleague tried to relieve himself.
‘Our brother asked to relieve himself on our way to church. As we waited for him, a group of EPC intercepted us and ordered us to lie on the ground face down,’ they recounted.
They said Sibira was singled out and beaten to near death before was later handed over to his father.
He was pronounced dead before reaching the health facility.
They identified some of the EPCs involved as Kasimba, Bukerewe, and Owidi.
Bugabula South NUP contestant in Kamuli District, Pastor Andrew Muwanguzi, condemned the brutal killing of Sibira, attributing it to orders from OC of Namwendwa Police Station, who reportedly fled the station following the incident.
‘The young man died after the OC of the station ordered the election constables to brutalize him, and he succumbed to the injuries,’ Pastor Muwanguzi said.
Busoga North police spokesperson Mr Samson Lubega said a case of suspected murder has been opened up and that one suspect is currently in custody to assist with investigations.
‘We have launched a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident and determine accountability according to the law,’ Mr Lubega said.
Mr Lubega revealed that the OC has been transferred to Kamuli Police Station and urged community members to remain calm, avoid speculation, and let the due process take its course.
“We reiterate our commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and the rule of law,” he said.
During last year’s pass-out ceremony for election special police constables at Busoga High School, Busoga North Police Commander Dickens Bindeba urged the recruits to uphold human rights throughout their service.
‘Human rights advocacy is non-negotiable. If you cannot uphold these rights, you are in the wrong position. The public knows their rights, and it is your duty to protect them within the limits of the law,’ Mr Bindeeba warned.
Sibira is the second person to be killed by police officers in the Busoga sub-region during the election period. The first was Meshach Okello, who was shot dead on November 28, 2025, in Iganga during a National Unity Platform (NUP) campaign rally. His family is yet to get justice.