Police yesterday promised to take action against one of their members who attacked a Daily Monitor photographer as he took pictures of policemen and members of the Kiboko Squad beating up opposition supporters.
Mr Yusuf Muziransa was kicked by a police officer only identified as Mundu (No.11648) who complained that the photographer was taking pictures with the purpose of denting the Force’s image.
Police Deputy Director of Operations, Mr Grace Turyagumanawe said yesterday that the Force will ask Mr Mundu to explain what motivated him to go native.
“This is a matter that must be resolved,” Mr Turyagumanawe said. “If he did it, then he was wrong, and we shall expect him to explain his action. We respect the media and I want to assure you that this matter has been taken up by the police. We shall resolve it with the aggrieved party.”
The incident will again put the Force on the spot over brutality. The Force has in the past been condemned by the public, civil society groups and Parliament over excessive use of force against civilians.
Mr Muziranza was at the Clock Tower grounds covering a planned demonstration by members of the Inter Party Cooperation, that was dispersed by the police.
The attack
Mr Mundu, who was armed with an AK-47 rifle, kicked Mr Muziransa in the back, sending him to the ground. The photographer’s camera was also grabbed and smashed. He sustained bruises on his ankles.
“I was taking pictures and the police officer hit me,” Mr Muziransa said. “I did not abuse him but he was just not happy with me taking pictures at that particular moment. He has destroyed my camera.”
Ms Anne Abeja-Muhwezi, the company secretary of Monitor Publications, the publishers of Daily Monitor said the police officer who beat the photographer should account for his action.
“He should also be forced to pay for the camera he has destroyed,” Ms Muhwezi said
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