RESIDENTS IN KASESE STAGE PEACEFUL DEMO AGAINST POLICE MISCONDUCT

Residents in Kasese Stage Peaceful Demo against Police Misconduct

BY EDITOR

Tension is rising in Kasese as hundreds of residents from Kidodo Cell, Central Division in Kasese Municipality staged a peaceful demonstration to protest what they described as suspicious conduct by the police in a recent child disappearance case.

The protests were sparked by the alleged release of a suspect arrested in connection with the disappearance of a two-year-old boy, Kismart Mumbere, who went missing last Friday.

The case was reported at Kasese Central Police Station under SD REF: 02/05/04/2025.

Demonstrators claimed that the female suspect voluntarily turned herself in on Monday morning, only to be released on bond the same day—an act that enraged locals and raised concerns about the integrity of the police investigation.

“It is shocking that someone suspected of trafficking a child is released the same day with no trace of the missing boy. We demand accountability from the police,” said Mr. Bashiru Bwambale, a resident.

“We are deeply hurt. My child is missing, and instead of seeking justice, the suspect walks free. Whether dead or alive, we want our child back,” said Godfrey Bwambale, the father of the missing child.

The community, along with local leaders, expressed disappointment over the Police decision, calling it “a shame to the image of the police.”

Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans demanding the immediate re-arrest of the suspect and more intensive efforts to locate the missing boy.

“We are tired of police siding with criminals. This release was premature and suspicious. The child is still missing, and yet the suspect is out?” lamented Mr Zunguka Kato, another resident.

“As leaders, we support the community’s call for justice. This release has tainted public trust in law enforcement,” said John Sirewayo, councillor for Railway Ward.

In response to the growing unrest, SP Nelson Tumushime, the Rwenzori East Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed that the suspect had been initially taken into custody but denied any wrongdoing in her release.