Muhammad Kirumira arrested by Flying Squad

SECURITY | ARREST

KAMPALA - It was scenes of pandemonium at the home of ASP Muhammad Kirumira in Bulenga as Police's Flying Squad stormed his home and arrested him on Thursday.

Kirumira had locked himself in as Police operatives besieged his residence, and had to use a grinder to try and break in.

Once part of the burglar system had been cut, Kirumira let himself out, with hands raised in surrender, before being swiftly arrested.

The Police Flying Squad quickly forced their way through the crowded compound and through the gate. Gunshots were heard as Kirumira was driven off to an unknown destination.

Residents that had gathered at the the Police officer's residence scrambled for cover as the sound of gunshots pierced the mid-morning air.

Police employed grinders to break Kirumira's house

Thursday morning's dramatic events came a day after Kirumira's announcement that he had resigned from the Police Force, citing frustrations from top Police bosses in his work as one of the reasons he had decided to quit.

"I have realised that my image before the administration will never change and given the fact that I am still a young man, I have resigned from the force to enable the Police court fulfill their motives," a statement on his Facebook post read on Wednesday.

Hours later the same day, Police responded to Kirumira's announcement, saying it "cannot be tolerated by the Uganda Police Force".

"For any Police officer wanting to exit the force, s/he should write to the Secretary Police Authority, who is the PS Ministry of Internal Affairs," Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima said in a statement.

Kirumira, who previously served as officer in charge of Nansana Police Station, said his recent arraignment before the Police disciplinary committee court in Naguru, Kampala was part of a plan to paint him as a criminal.

He described the charges as framed up and that they were as old as seven years old.

At the time, the police commander was charged with extortion, corruption, bribery, torture, unlawful arrests and excessive use of authority.

"Part IV of the Police Act guides us on appointments, promotions, recruitment, service and discharge or termination of appointments. For that matter, therefore, ASP Kirumira Muhammad cannot and should not resign from the Uganda Police Force through a watsup [sic] message or through granting interviews to the media," Kayima said.

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