Police officer charged with assault

It is alleged that 40-year-old Odongo, who is a police officer in Bukedi South in Butaleja district, was captured on a video that went viral while aggressively pushing Aweny Teddy, an adult woman aged 60. Residents said Aweny sustained injuries after the fall.

The Police said that the actions of the officer were found to be in breach of the Police Standing Orders and the Code of Conduct and therefore decided to charge Odongo.

"As the UPF, we expect very high professional behaviour from all police officers in the course of their duties. It is therefore embarrassing that instead of protecting the 60-year-old victim, the officer was aggressive towards her," the statement read.

Pulse Uganda has learned that a separate case file of willful obstruction of officers on lawful duty has also been opened against Aweny Teddy after she tried to block officers from arresting her son, Okello Pius, a senior five student, who attacked Mugwanya Samuel, a police constable.

"It was during that process that she grabbed the collar of AIP Odongo Raphael Igelat but was forcefully pushed down. We continue to inform the public that it is punishable to assault, attack, or obstruct an officer on lawful duty," Police said.

In addition, four students were behind the acts of incitement to violence that led to the temporary closure of the school after clashes between the Banyole and Jopadhola student communities on July 29 and 30, 2023. They were asked to report back to school with their parents after one week. The four students who were released on police bond include Odongo Samuel, Ochen Ronald, Opio Simon, and Okello Pius.