By Stanley Ebele
Uganda Human Rights Commission Officer in charge of Kotido Field Office, Santos Lomongin has raised a red flag over the rising spate of mob justice in the area, urging the public to respect the rule of law and allow police to conduct proper investigations.
Cases of mob justice are more predominant in Napumpum town board where six suspected thieves have reportedly been killed in a space of five months.
In December last year four suspected cattle thieves were killed by angry mob.
In another case, in January, this year, locals ganged against two suspected thieves only identified as Apasa and Longoli were brutally attacked and killed by mobs in broad day light.
Speaking during a community sensitization meeting on human rights protection held at Napumpum town board on Wednesday courtesy of ADRA-Uganda, Lomongin the expressed deep concern over these incidents, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the legal process.
Losike Nailila, the Village LC1 Chairperson Nakongomutu Central in Napumpum Town Board attributes the increase in cases of mob justice to loss of public trust, confidence in the criminal justice systems and the bureaucratic process of the law.
Calisto Longole, the CLO Kotido advises the community to cooperate with the police during investigation processes and ensure there is “enough evidence to pin down suspects.”
The Police Annual Criminal Report 2024, indicates that 1,026 cases of killings by mob justice were recorded across the country, a slight drop from 1,039 reported in 2023.
