The U.S. Department of State has sanctioned four Ugandan police officers for gross human rights violations, restricting their entry into the United States.
Those affected by the sanctions include Bob Kagarura, former Wamala Regional Police Commander; Alex Mwine, then-District Police Commander for Mitanya District; Elly Womanya, ex-Senior Commissioner and Deputy Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) within the Criminal Investigations Division; and Hamdani Twesigye, then-Deputy Inspector of Police assigned to SIU.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 2 October, Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller announced that these officers and their immediate family members are now generally ineligible for U.S. entry. The move aims to address serious violations, including torture and inhuman treatment or punishment carried out by members of the Uganda Police Force (UPF).
“The Department of State is taking action today to promote accountability for human rights violations committed in Uganda,” reads the statement. “These individuals have been designated due to their involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.”
The sanctions were imposed under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (Div. F, P.L. 118-47). Miller added that credible reports of human rights abuses linked to the officers were documented by Ugandan civil courts, civil society organisations, and independent journalists.
“By publicly designating these individuals, the United States reaffirms its commitment to advancing the human rights of all Ugandans and promoting accountability for those responsible for human rights violations,” the statement concluded.
Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller announced that these officers and their immediate family members are now generally ineligible for U.S. entry.