US Sanctions Ugandan Police Officers for Human Rights Abuses

By Sekaggya Seka Moses

The US Department of State has designated four members of the Uganda Police Force (UPF) for their involvement in gross human rights violations, including torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

The designated individuals are Bob Kagarura, Alex Mwine, Elly Womanya, and Hamdani Twesigye.

These officers held senior positions within the UPF, with Kagarura serving as Wamala Regional Police Commander, Mwine as District Police Commander for Mitanya District, Womanya as Senior Commissioner and Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigations Division, and Twesigye as Deputy Inspector of Police assigned to the Special Investigations Unit.

As a result of this designation, Kagarura, Mwine, Womanya, Twesigye, and their immediate family members are generally ineligible for entry into the United States.

This decision is based on credible reports from Ugandan civil court documents, civil society organizations, and independent journalists.

The Ugandan Constitution guarantees human rights and freedoms, including equality, right to life, personal liberty, and freedom from torture.

However, human rights campaigners have raised concerns about the effectiveness of agencies responsible for investigating human rights violations.

The US Department of State’s action reaffirms its commitment to promoting accountability for human rights abuses and advancing the human rights of all Ugandans.

This designation is made pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024.

Designated Individuals:

• Bob Kagarura: Former Wamala Regional Police Commander
• Alex Mwine: Former District Police Commander for Mitanya District
• Elly Womanya: Former Senior Commissioner and Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigations Division
• Hamdani Twesigye: Former Deputy Inspector of Police assigned to the Special Investigations Unit.