Seven arrested in Mityana over woman's torture in viral video

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The Police in Mityana have arrested seven suspects in connection with a viral video that depicted a woman undergoing apparent torture, including burns to her feet, as the perpetrators sought a confession regarding a stolen pig.

Racheal Kawala, the Police public relations officer in charge of the Wamala region, said the seven suspects had been detained at Mityana Central Police Station awaiting arraignment in court.

“The territorial police of Mityana are currently holding seven suspects in connection with aggravated torture that occurred in Namuzikiza village, Watuba parish, Kikandwa sub-county in Mityana district on April 28, 2024, at 9:30 am,” she said.

She identified the victim as Muhirwe Kolodina, a 29-year-old bar attendant and resident of the same area.

Explaining the incident, Kawala said, “It is alleged that the victim was formerly married to James Lukiiko for six years but the couple was unable to have any children together. The couple separated in January 2024 due to misunderstandings, leading the victim to leave behind her gardens and banana plantation where she would usually gather food.”

She noted that on April 28, 2024, at about 8:00 am, the victim had gone to pick up food from the garden located in the land of her ex-husband Lukiiko, when Lukiiko called his son, Brian Lwabye, who then informed James Kalanzi, the area defence officer of Namuzikiza village. Kalanzi arrived along with Betty Namusoke, who brought a rope and allegedly tied the victim’s hands and legs, accusing her of stealing a pig.

“The incident happened in the home of the area chairperson, Steven Kiwanuka. Many people gathered, one of the suspects then lit a jerrycan, and began burning the victim, demanding to know the whereabouts of the pig. After the torture, the victim was dumped in a bush but later rescued by a boda boda cyclist who took her to the police station where she reported the incident under CRB 155/2024,” Kawala added.

She said the video of the torture incident has been circulating on social media.

“A statement from the victim was recorded, and she was then taken to Namayumba Health Center IV for medical attention. The suspects, including Kiwanuka, Lukiiko, George Kezimbira, Lwabye, Namusoke, among others, are currently held at Mityana Police Station as inquiries into the matter continue,” she noted.

Kawala said the Police remain committed to pursuing every incident of torture and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.