The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) condemns the rising trend of mob violence, particularly targeting Police officers in the line of duty.
In the span of just over a month, Uganda has witnessed two brutal acts of lawlessness. On 6th April 2025, Constable Suleiman Chemonges was lynched in Kyembogo Cell, Ibanda Municipality while providing security at a burial ceremony. On 18th May 2025, Constable John Bosco Naturinda was fatally attacked by a mob in Ngai Sub-county, Oyam District, following the accidental shooting of a civilian, Ojok Nelson Omoding.
Preliminary findings by the Commission indicate that Constable Naturinda and two colleagues were executing a lawful arrest in Tecik Village. When the officers attempted to apprehend Okwir Ambrose, a group of civilians including the deceased Ojok Nelson Omoding and one Okello Smart intervened and tried to disarm them. During the struggle, a firearm discharged, tragically killing Omoding.
This incident, instead of being subjected to lawful review, escalated into a violent mob attack. Constable Naturinda was lynched on the spot. His two colleagues sustained serious injuries. The enraged mob proceeded to storm Ngai Police Station, releasing suspects from custody, and destroying vital case files and government property.
We wish to make it clear: “mob justice” is not justice, it is criminality. This form of lawlessness is not only immoral it is unconstitutional. Attacking Police officers, obstructing law enforcement, and destroying public institutions are direct violations of Article 17(1)(f) of the Constitution, which obligates all citizens to support lawful authority in the maintenance of order and security.
Furthermore, the mob’s actions severely violated the right to life, the right to due process, and the right to freedom from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, as enshrined under Chapter Four of the Constitution of Uganda.
We commend the swift response by the District Security Committee of Oyam, the local Police, and the regional administration in restoring calm and initiating investigations.
We call on the Uganda Police Force to expedite investigations and ensure all those responsible for this horrific crime face justice without delay.
Let this be a national wake-up call, that, no grievance real or perceived can justify the lynching of a law enforcement officer or anybody. There is no place for “mob justice” in a lawful society.
We urge all Ugandans to respect the rule of law, support our security institutions, and seek redress through legal channels not violence.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of Constable John Bosco Naturinda and Ojok Nelson Omoding.
Mariam Wangadya
CHAIRPERSON
