KAMPALA, Uganda | The International Crimes Division (ICD) of Uganda’s High Court has confirmed charges of aggravated trafficking in persons against Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gilbert Arinaitwe Bwana. Delivered on December 18, 2024, by Justice Bashaja Andrew, the ruling moves forward the charges against the controversial police officer.

Arinaitwe rose to fame during a high-profile arrest of veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye at Mulago roundabout in 2011, where he smashed the window of Besigye’s car with a pistol before spraying pepper spray directly into his eyes. The incident, broadcast widely, became a symbol of excessive force by law enforcement. Over a decade later, Arinaitwe finds himself in court, not as an enforcer of the law, but as an accused facing serious criminal charges.

The current case involves allegations that Arinaitwe recruited and transported a young woman, Namukasa Joan, under false pretenses. Promised employment as a housemaid at Arinaitwe’s residence in Nalumunye, Rubaga Division, Kampala, Namukasa instead endured exploitation, including unpaid labor and repeated sexual assaults. According to court records, Arinaitwe used his position of authority to facilitate the victim’s transportation from Mbarara to Kampala, providing transport fare and directing her movements upon arrival.

During the pre-trial hearing, the court examined evidence supporting the allegations. Medical reports and DNA analysis corroborated the victim’s statements, detailing acts of coercion and abuse. Justice Bashaja highlighted the seriousness of the charges, noting that the accused’s actions, as described in the evidence, constituted a gross abuse of power and authority. The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act specifically categorizes trafficking by public officers as an aggravated offense, underscoring the severity of the case.

The court’s decision to confirm the charges follows the procedural requirements of the Judicature (High Court) (International Crimes Division) Rules, 2016, which mandate a thorough pre-trial hearing to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to commit the accused for trial. The court concluded that the prosecution had presented substantial evidence establishing strong grounds to believe that the accused committed the alleged crimes. This confirmation allows the case to proceed to trial, where the prosecution will bear the burden of proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

This latest development marks a significant turn in the journey of a man once known for enforcing the law with unrelenting force. If convicted, DSP Arinaitwe faces severe penalties under the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, which provides stringent measures for aggravated offenses. The trial will provide a platform to examine the evidence in greater detail.