Allegations of severe torture and unlawful detention have emerged in a high-profile robbery case currently before the Buganda Chief Magistrate’s Court, raising concerns about police procedures and respect for human rights in criminal investigations.
Julius Mukasa Magembe, 43, and Obedi Twinomugisha, 50, are facing charges of aggravated robbery in connection with a break-in that occurred on July 30th, 2025, at Arrow Complex on Ben Kiwanuka Street in Kampala.
The complainant, Tonny Bulega, alleges that a safe containing UGX 64.1 million, a vehicle logbook, and a CCTV DVR was stolen from his shop.
However, both accused men have strongly denied involvement in the crime and now say they were kidnapped, tortured, and held incommunicado by unidentified individuals who demanded confessions before handing them over to police.
Mukasa recounted being ambushed at his home in Nansana on August 10th by three plainclothes men who confiscated personal items including cash and electronics before allegedly detaining and beating him for a week at an unknown location.
Twinomugisha gave a similarly chilling account, stating he was abducted on August 8th while at work in downtown Kampala, bundled into a car with visible firearms, and later burned with a stove during interrogation.
Both men allege that after days of mistreatment, they were transferred to Central Police Station (CPS) on August 16th, where they were forced to record statements under duress.
These disturbing claims have prompted the presiding magistrate, Ronald Kayizi, to call for Detective Sergeant Harunah Mulungi listed in the case file as the officer who apprehended Mukasa to appear in court and provide clarification.
The defense hearing continues on October 6th.
By Alex Magala
15th Sept 2025
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