BOND 4 SALE! Napak Residents Demand Probe into Police Bosses
Allegations of extortion and unlawful detention at Napak Central Police Station have prompted residents to demand investigations into officers accused of charging money for police bond, despite it being a free service. The concerns were raised during an open day court session held at the Napak Grade One Magistrate’s Court compound, an initiative organized by International Justice Mission with support from the Government of Ireland.
Residents used the forum to seek clarification from Napaka Grade One Magistrate Mugisa Abasaija on whether police bonds attract any fees, alleging that officers routinely demand money from suspects and their relatives before granting release. Former detainee Omar Angella told the gathering that he, his brother, and sister were arrested last month over a land dispute involving allegations of threatening violence.
According to Angella, the charge was later changed to murder while they were in custody, and officers allegedly attempted to force him to sign a statement he did not understand. He claimed they spent three weeks in detention without being formally charged and were later informed that their case file had been transferred to the Regional CID in Moroto. Angella further alleged that officers demanded UGX 700,000 from each suspect to secure release. He said his family raised the money, but only he was released, while the other two suspects remained in custody until an additional UGX 200,000 was paid.
His sister, Florence Sagal, corroborated the account, saying the suspects remained in police cells for three weeks without being released on bond. She alleged that officers later informed the family that the suspects could be released if money was paid and sureties presented.
Human rights activist Anna Lomonyang accused some police officers of exploiting the low literacy levels within the community to extort money from suspects and complainants. She cited a case in Iriiri Sub-county where an officer allegedly demanded UGX 500,000 to facilitate police assistance. Lomonyang said efforts to challenge such practices have strained her relationship with some officers.
Responding to the concerns, Grade One Magistrate Mugisa Abasaija emphasized that the police bond is free and that any officer demanding payment is acting unlawfully. During the discussion, Napak Central Police Station Officer in Charge Paul Okello intervened and explained police bond procedures to the community.
Okello said notices indicating that police bond is free have been displayed throughout the station and urged residents to report any officer soliciting money. He said complaints should be reported to the District Police Commander, Officer in Charge, or CID offices for action.
Residents also raised concerns about suspects being held beyond the constitutional 48-hour period without being produced in court. One case cited involved a woman allegedly detained for 30 days on child trafficking allegations without appearing before a magistrate.
Okello explained that suspects facing capital offences may remain in custody longer while investigations are completed, whereas delays in minor offences can occur where there are no suitable sureties or where releasing a suspect could endanger their safety. He urged relatives to actively follow up on cases involving detained family members and apply for bond where applicable.
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