WASHINGTON D.C. – The US Department of State has imposed sanctions on four top Uganda Police Force officials for their involvement in gross human rights violations, including torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

“The United States stands firmly against human rights abuses and torture,” said Matthew Miller, Department. “Today’s sanctions demonstrate our commitment to promoting accountability and protecting human rights globally.”

The sanctioned individuals are Bob Kagarura, the former Wamala Regional Police Commander; Alex Mwine, the former District Police Commander for Mitanya District; Elly Womanya, the former Senior Commissioner and Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigations Division; and Hamdani Twesigye, the former Deputy Inspector of Police assigned to the Special Investigations Unit.

According to the Department of State, Kagarura, Mwine, Womanya, and Twesigye were involved in gross violations of human rights, as documented by Ugandan civil court documents, civil society organizations, 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.

As a result of these sanctions, Kagarura, Mwine, Womanya, Twesigye, and their immediate family members are now ineligible for entry into the United States.

This move is authorized under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024.

“The reports of Kagarura, Mwine, Twesigye, and Womanya’s involvement in gross human rights violations are serious and credible,” Mr. Miller said.

The development is likely to have significant implications for Uganda’s human rights landscape, sending a strong message that such abuses will not be tolerated.

See full statement