Susan Nsibirwa, Managing Director of Nation Media Group Uganda, wrote on X: "Sodomizing those young men, then dropping them off in the middle of the night...💔💔💔💔💔💔 #StopAbuseofPowerUG #StopCorruption."
On the first day of the protest, July 23, a protester claimed on social media that he had been sodomised, drawing significant attention on X, including from high-profile Ugandans.
Police Public Relations Officer Kituuma Rusoke
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Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, commented: "If true, the people doing that may the Lord judge you!"
Cartoonist and activist Jim Spire Ssentongo added: "Some of the released boys say they were subjected to anal rape (‘sodomised’) by police officers while in custody.
"Another NUP young man raised the same complaint upon release recently, on top of his teeth also being knocked out. So a government that claims to fight homosexuality uses anal rape as a form of torture!
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"How did we get here! @PoliceUg when did you become a sodomising institution!!! How does a male police officer get turned on, lower his uniform pants, and force a young male suspect to bend over for him to work his rectum!!! A Ugandan police officer sodomising as duty!!!?"
In response, Police Public Relations Officer Kituuma Rusoke stated: "Your accusations against the Uganda Police Force (UPF) are unfounded and appear to be part of an ongoing propaganda campaign against the institution. The police are very conscious of the rights of suspects and take their responsibilities seriously.
"We implore you to desist from spreading false narratives and misleading propaganda that only serves to tarnish the reputation of the police force. Spreading malicious lies and baseless allegations is highly unprofessional and unethical.
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"Instead, we urge you to work constructively with the UPF to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens. The police are committed to maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism in service of the Ugandan people. Unfounded attacks only undermine this important work."
The protests and discussions continue on X.
