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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have announced plans to investigate former first son Gen. Taban Amin regarding allegations of torture. This decision comes in the wake of a viral video showing individuals purportedly acting under Amin’s directives, assaulting Fred Kangume, the Kiryandongo district Kimogora parish councillor. The incident, captured in a widely circulated video, depicts Kangume being subjected to physical abuse while handcuffed, allegedly for trespassing on Ranch 11.
In the video footage, Kangume can be heard screaming in agony while being beaten, with individuals speaking in Kiswahili instructing him to “sleep properly.” The victim’s alleged offense of encroaching on Ranch 11 appears to have triggered the violent reaction captured on camera.
During a session before the human rights committee on March 6, 2024, Defence Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempija pledged to address such acts of impunity. Ssempija emphasized that no one, regardless of their rank, is exempt from accountability for human rights abuses. He affirmed the UPDF’s commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the matter and providing a detailed response outlining the steps taken.
The concerns raised by Members of Parliament, including David Lagen and Rose Obigah, shed light on the gravity of the situation. Lagen highlighted the distressing nature of the video circulating on social media and suggested that it implicated Gen. Taban Amin in the reported incident of brutal assault. Similarly, Obigah expressed dismay over the video, describing the prolonged flogging endured by Kangume as a violation of human dignity.
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Despite the allegations leveled against him, Gen. Taban Amin vehemently denied any involvement in Kangume’s torture. In a statement to New Vision Online, Amin refuted the accusations, asserting that he neither commands soldiers nor employs escorts. He dismissed the claims made by MPs as politically motivated, aimed at tarnishing his reputation for electoral gain.
The land disputes surrounding Ranch 11, where the incident occurred, further complicate the situation. It is alleged that the Amin family holds illegal ownership of land within the area, exacerbating tensions among local communities and contributing to conflicts over land use. Amin contends that the influx of unauthorized settlers has exacerbated the situation, leading to disputes and confrontations.
While denying direct involvement in Kangume’s ordeal, Amin suggested that the victim harbored animosity towards him, accusing him of fabricating allegations and inciting hostility. He maintained that he was not present during the incident and attributed any violence to individuals purportedly acting independently.
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