The United States government has imposed entry bans on at least four senior Ugandan police officers, citing their involvement in serious human rights violations. In a statement on Wednesday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted that these violations are documented by Ugandan civil court records, civil society organizations, and independent journalists, describing them as serious and credible.
The officers banned from entering the U.S. are:
– Bob Kagarura, the former Wamala Regional Police Commander of the Uganda Police Force (UPF)
– Alex Mwine, the former District Police Commander for the Mitanya District of the UPF
– Elly Womanya, the former Senior Commissioner and Deputy Director of the UPF’s Criminal Investigations Division in charge of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU)
– Hamdani Twesigye, the former Deputy Inspector of Police assigned to the SIU
The U.S. also stated that the immediate family members of these individuals are barred from entering the country. The statement did not specify when the alleged human rights violations occurred.
Miller emphasized that the designation of these officers reaffirms the U.S. commitment to advancing human rights for all Ugandans and underscores their dedication to holding accountable those responsible for such violations. Some of the designated officers have since retired or been reassigned to new roles.
In addition to these officers, other Ugandans previously sanctioned by the U.S. include former Inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura, former head of the Chieftaincy of Military Police Major General Abel Kanduho, and current Commissioner-General of the Uganda Prisons Service Johnson Byabashaija.
