Kajjansi, Uganda – April 5, 2025
Police Constable (PC) Katungi Alex was yesterday arraigned before the Kajjansi Chief Magistrates Court on multiple charges, including assault, illegal arrests, land grabbing, and extortion. The arrest followed a joint operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Uganda Police Force.
PC Katungi, attached to the Environmental Protection Police Unit under the Ministry of Water and Environment, is accused of violently assaulting several individuals in Kajjansi under the pretext of stopping illegal wetland developments. Witnesses claim he repeatedly beat residents while accusing them of encroaching on protected wetlands.
Investigations reveal that Katungi is also facing separate probes for alleged harassment, illegal detention, and extortion of investors and locals in Entebbe and Kajjansi. Shockingly, he is under scrutiny for reportedly abusing his authority to facilitate illegal developments in the same wetlands he was meant to protect.
The embattled officer was jointly charged with Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Hadali Keneth for conspiracy in committing these alleged crimes. The prosecution successfully applied for their remand until April 9, 2025, as investigations continue.
The case has sparked public outrage, with activists demanding accountability for rogue officers exploiting environmental protection mandates for personal gain. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has vowed to pursue all implicated individuals in what appears to be a wider syndicate of abuse and illegal land dealings.
