KAMPALA, Uganda The Uganda Law Society has denounced the event in which soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, who were part of the Presidential Environment Force on land matters, stormed the Wakiso police station and took the commander hostage, resulting in a confrontation with law enforcement.

“The UPDF must respect its constitutional mandate and refrain from interfering in civilian matters to undermine the rule of law and democracy,” said Antony Asiimwe, the vice president of the Uganda Law Society.

In addition, the Law Society calls for the immediate dissolution of the unlawful Presidential Task Force on Land Matters and Environment, prompt prosecution of those responsible, and the reinstatement of civilian law enforcement as the primary force under articles 208(2), 212, and 120(3) of the constitution.

On Monday night, the soldiers stormed the station in a green minibus with registration number UBG 041U and a Toyota Noah with registration number UBR 647B. They ordered SP Esther Kiiza, the division police commander (DPC), to undress while holding her at gunpoint.

“They came and told me to take off my clothes.” They said that I had disobeyed orders. Whose orders had I disregarded, I asked them? They demanded that I take off my uniform since I was being arrested, Kiiza remarked.

 Citing the lack of a court order and the district security committee’s lack of involvement, the Division Police Commander refused the thirteen soldiers’ demands for assistance in a land eviction.

When she refused, the soldiers became enraged and confronted her. Her fellow officers at the station then retaliated with armed force, which led to a gunfight that forced the soldiers to leave the area.

Currently being held pending disciplinary action, the soldiers were captured at Yesu Amala in the Wakiso district.