Museveni Draws the Line: New Directives on Arrests Explained

President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing guidelines on the arrest and handling of suspects have returned to the spotlight following renewed public debate over the conduct of security agencies in high-profile arrests.

The directives, first issued in 2018 and later reinforced in 2023, were designed to curb arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, torture and the excessive use of force by security personnel. The guidelines set out clear procedures for law enforcement officers when apprehending suspects and emphasize respect for human rights and the rule of law.

In a letter addressed to security agencies in October 2018, Museveni stressed that security officers must remember they are servants of the people and should treat citizens with dignity and professionalism. He warned personnel against taking the law into their own hands and insisted that innocent members of the public should never be beaten, intimidated or mistreated during security operations.

Among the key directives was the requirement that arresting officers identify themselves so that members of the public can clearly recognize them as lawful security personnel. Museveni also discouraged the routine involvement of military units in duties traditionally handled by the police, arguing that law-and-order operations should primarily remain under civilian policing structures.

The President further ordered that suspects should not be beaten during arrest. He noted that force should only be used when absolutely necessary, particularly if a suspect poses an immediate threat through the use of a weapon. Once a suspect has been restrained, any form of assault or mistreatment must stop immediately.

In December 2023, Museveni issued another reminder to security agencies, condemning illegal arrests and detention beyond the constitutional 48-hour limit. He urged citizens and local leaders to document cases where suspects are held unlawfully and report them to the relevant authorities for action.

The guidelines have resurfaced in national discussions following recent concerns over the arrest and detention of opposition figures and political activists. Critics argue that some security operations continue to fall short of the standards outlined by the President, while government officials maintain that security agencies remain committed to enforcing the law and protecting public order.

As debate over the rule of law and accountability continues, Museveni’s directives remain one of the clearest official statements on how suspects should be arrested, detained and treated by Uganda’s security agencies.

Source Daily monitor