WASHINGTON D.C. – The US Department of State has imposed sanctions on four top Uganda Police Force officials for their involvement in gross human rights violations, including torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
Ugstandard has obtained exclusive photos of the sanctioned police bosses, revealing the faces behind the human rights abuses in Uganda.
The sanctioned individuals are Bob Kagarura, the former Wamala Regional Police Commander; Alex Mwine, the former District Police Commander for Mitanya District; Elly Womanya, the former Senior Commissioner and Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigations Division; and Hamdani Twesigye, the former Deputy Inspector of Police assigned to the Special Investigations Unit.
“The United States stands firmly against human rights abuses and torture… Today’s sanctions demonstrate our commitment to promoting accountability and protecting human rights globally,” said Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson.
Miller emphasized that the reports of Kagarura, Mwine, Twesigye, and Womanya’s involvement in gross human rights violations are “serious and credible.” These reports are based on documented evidence from Ugandan civil court documents, civil society organizations, and independent journalists.
Honorable Zaake Francis narrated a harrowing experience where arresting officer Latif Zaake punched his face and Alex Mwine kicked him all over the head. Bob Kagarura allegedly ordered his eyes to be sprayed to ensure he couldn’t see.
As a result of these sanctions, Kagarura, Mwine, Womanya, Twesigye, and their immediate family members are now ineligible for entry into the United States. This move sends a strong message that human rights abuses will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable.
“The Department of State is taking action today to promote accountability for human rights violations committed in Uganda,” Miller added. “By publicly designating these individuals, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the human rights of all Ugandans.”
The sanctions are authorized under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024.
