Kampala, Uganda | URN | The Uganda Police Force says it has not reviewed its statement templates since independence, which is why suspects’ tribes are still being recorded despite growing concerns over tribal bias.
The current police template captures a suspect’s name, age, tribe, contacts and residence. However, some Ugandans question the relevance of the tribe field, arguing that it never appears in the annual crime reports and adds no value to investigations.
Human rights defender Gideon Nova Kwikiriza, who took part and was arrested in the Gen Z March to Parliament protest against corruption, says the tribe question makes no sense.
He argues that it offers no investigative advantage and could negatively affect suspects who encounter an officer previously victimized by someone from the same tribe.
“I am a Munyankole, but tribal sentiments still exist,” Kwikiriza said. “Even on social media, people say Banyankole are the problem of this country simply because those in power are led by a Munyankole President. So, imagine if I fall into the hands of a police officer who believes Banyankole are the problem of this country will he treat me fairly?”
He said the tribe question drags Ugandans back to tribal divisions and creates anxiety over whether an officer handling a case will ensure justice.
“I will give you another example,” Kwikiriza argued. “When a girl reports to police that you raped her and the case is handled by a female officer, it will most likely be difficult for the male suspect to be heard, because the officer is a woman. It is the same when you fall into the hands of an officer who hates a particular tribe.”
He said the tribe question is no longer necessary now that national ID data is available. Such outdated requirements should be reformed. He claims that some leaders in offices lack creative minds, hence the lack of change from unnecessary procedures that were found for ages.
But according to Deputy Police Spokesperson Diana Nandawula, despite its disadvantages, capturing a suspect’s tribe still has benefits when a case goes to court. She explained that knowing the tribe helps address language barriers and allows for early arrangement of an interpreter.
“When you go to court and the person only understands Lugbara or Lumasaba from Mbale, yet the magistrate speaks only Luganda and English, how will the session proceed? They will have to adjourn to look for a Lugbara interpreter.”
Nandawula noted that despite criticism over the tribe question, it remains necessary. She added that police are also questioned about why they ask for a suspect’s age, yet age is important when cases reach court.
“This is questioned because some people are uncomfortable sharing their age and strongly object, forgetting that if they are 17, they could end up being tried in an adult court, or if they are 15 or 13 in cases of aggravated defilement, it changes the nature of the case,” she further explained. “Those are details considered in court. Sometimes you indicate that your suspect is 80 years old, and he or she will be treated differently based on health and age.”
She explained, however, that the template can be amended if needed, based on current circumstances, or if concerned Ugandans submit a proposal to the police leadership and Parliament, since the templates are already gazetted.
But security expert and private investigator Fred Egesa said there is no problem with recording suspects’ tribes in their statements. He said tribe is part of a person’s history and identity that cannot be erased. But he said it should not be misused.
“We cannot erase everything because a few individuals have misused it,” Egesa argued. “There is no problem with being asked about your tribe. When I say I am Egesa and you say you are a Munyankole, then you are a thief because Egesa is a Samia, or Muhumuza saying he is a Samia, there is something important police can pick up from criminal suspects who don’t want to reveal their identity.” he said.
He however condemned the misuse of tribal identities by police and other government institutions, saying: “These are details we cannot erase, but they should not be abused. I do not agree with those who say Baganda are thieves, or a Samia is a thug, or a Teso is a coward, or a Musoga is shallow-minded. That is wrong. Tribes do not run deep into our DNA; they are groupings. You may find a Teso behaving like a Munyoro and vice versa.”
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