Witnesses at the Ugandan border with South Sudan reported disturbing incidents of women and men being subjected to violence by security forces enforcing COVID-19 lockdown measures. Since the imposition of the lockdown and curfew by President Museveni, there have been reports of security forces using excessive force to disperse and control the public. The victims, including women described as sex workers, suffered injuries such as wounds on their thighs and buttocks, allegedly caused by the security forces’ use of caning. This incident is not an isolated case, as similar reports of abuse have emerged from various parts of the country.
At the Elegu border, women were pulled out of their houses, beaten, and subjected to mistreatment by the security forces. Despite the victims’ cries, the officers continued their violent actions, kicking doors and forcibly removing mainly women, which continued into the early hours of the morning. The release of images depicting the injuries suffered by these individuals led to an investigation by a joint security task team.
According to the police spokesperson, 38 victims, consisting of 31 females and seven males, were traced, and their detailed statements were recorded. One of the male victims sustained a fractured arm and was admitted to a hospital. Both the Ugandan police and armed forces have condemned the officers’ misconduct and assured that the matter will be expedited to the courts of law.
The aforementioned incidents have sparked outrage, and the public will be closely monitoring the legal proceedings to ensure justice for the victims. The disturbing photos accompanying this article capture the harrowing reality of the violence endured by individuals as a result of the enforcement of curfew measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.