The United States government has sanctioned four senior officials of the Uganda Police Force (UPF) over their alleged involvement in human rights abuses.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Matthew Miller, the U.S. Department of State spokesperson.
The US sanctioned Bob Kagarura, the former Wamala Regional Police Commander, Alex Mwine, former District Police Commander of Mitanya District, Elly Womanya former Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigations Division, and Hamdani Twesigye, formerly attached to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
“They were involved in gross violations of human rights, namely torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment,” Miller said.
The sanctions, enacted under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, also extend to the officers’ immediate family members who are now banned from entry into the United States.”
“These public designations are made pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024. The U.S. is committed to “promoting accountability for human rights violations committed in Uganda, ” Miller said.
“By publicly designating these individuals, the United States reaffirms its commitment to advancing the human rights of all Ugandans and promoting accountability for those responsible.”