Following the violent attack on SP Esther Kizza, the DPC of Wakiso by soldiers reportedly attached to the Presidential Task Force on Land Matters and Environment, led by Brig. Moses Lukyamuzi, the Women’s Probono Initiative (WPI) is deeply outraged by the appalling and violent incident that occurred on Monday 02/06/2025 at Wakiso Police Division, which according to them is a militarised and gendered attack against SP Esther a woman in uniform.
According to police, the incident occurred around 5 p.m. when 13 soldiers confronted the Wakiso District Commander and other officers at the station over a presumed land dispute. They demanded that the DPC assist in the land eviction, which she refused due to the absence of a court order and the lack of involvement from the District Security Committee.
Her refusal angered the soldiers, and they confronted her an act that prompted her fellow officers to intervene, leading to an exchange of gunfire. As a result, the soldiers fled.
Reliable media reports and police confirmation indicate that SP Kiiza was placed at gunpoint and ordered to undress, an act not only of gross intimidation but one that reflects the most egregious form of violence against women. The demand for a woman in uniform to strip as a form of humiliation and coercion is a clear and unacceptable abuse of power.
However, the suspects were apprehended at Yesu Amala in Wakiso District by the Kampala Metropolitan North Region Police team and the UPDF. They are currently in custody awaiting disciplinary action.
The Program Manager at Women’s Probono Initiative Bukirwa Rahom expresses that they stand in unwavering solidarity with SP Esther Kiiza and commends the bravery and professionalism of the officers who defended her from this violent assault.
“In today’s society, it is unacceptable to witness uniformed soldiers entrusted to uphold our Constitution and protect our people engaging in acts of inhumane and degrading treatment. Our communities deserve dignity and accountability, and those who violate this trust must be held fully accountable.” Stresses Maria
WPI therefore calls for an immediate and transparent investigation into the actions of the implicated soldiers and their commanding officers. They add that the state must ensure that those responsible are brought to justice through a full, public and gender-sensitive legal process. Justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done, they emphasize
