The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has strongly condemned the violent raid on Lubowa Police Station by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers and confirmed that a joint investigation is underway to ensure accountability.
The incident, which occurred on May 1, left several police officers and civilians injured after a group of armed soldiers stormed the police facility in what has been described as a retaliatory attack.
The soldiers reportedly assaulted officers, including Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Innocent Sunday, looted mobile phones, cash, and government property, including police gear.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, IGP Byakagaba described the raid as “an isolated act by rogue individuals” and assured the public that the longstanding working relationship between the police and the army remains intact.
“Our relationship with the army is very strong. It will not be weakened by the incident that happened in Lubowa,” Mr Byakagaba said. He added that both institutions are fully committed to investigating the matter and taking appropriate action against those responsible.
According to police reports, the incident stemmed from the arrest of eight civilians by UPDF soldiers within the Lubowa Housing Estate. The suspects were reportedly apprehended on allegations of attempted assassination and improper parking near a judicial officer’s residence. Upon transferring them to the police station, officers declined to detain the individuals, citing procedural concerns and lack of legal grounds.
Sources indicate that after the police’s refusal to take custody of the suspects, a group of UPDF soldiers returned with reinforcements and forcibly entered the station.
Eyewitnesses claim that officers were manhandled and that government-issued items such as uniforms and communication gadgets were taken.
Several victims of the raid have since come forward, demanding justice and the recovery of their stolen belongings. Some police officers allege that they have received limited support from the institution, especially in accessing medical care following the injuries sustained during the assault.
The Ministry of Defence has acknowledged the incident, with the acting Director of Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, stating that the army is fully cooperating with police to establish the facts.
He attributed the event to a failure of coordination between military personnel and local law enforcement and stressed that disciplinary measures would follow based on the findings of the joint probe.
In a significant development, police at the Kampala Metropolitan South regional headquarters have opened a case file against Lt. Samson Amo of the Special Forces Command (SFC) and 12 other soldiers. The group is facing possible charges of aggravated robbery and assault.
The raid has sparked widespread concern and drawn criticism from civil society and members of the public, who have called on the army leadership to address what some describe as increasing indiscipline among its ranks.
Security analysts warn that such incidents, if not addressed decisively, risk undermining public confidence in Uganda’s security architecture and the integrity of inter-agency cooperation.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with both the police and UPDF pledging transparency and a firm response to what is being treated as a serious breach of the law and institutional protocol.
