Dr Martin Mugume, the commandant of the Police Canine Unit, faces a hard time if court finds the actions of his subordinates, done on his orders, illegal in which shs 100 million was lost according to Court documents.
Police Sergeant Israel Muhwezi, who served as head of training at the canine unit for several years, dragged his colleagues Herbert Nangoli, Emmanuel Aboko, and Benson Acwera to court.
He accuses them of unlawfully breaking into the unit’s training office and storage room in 2021, where they allegedly took several sensitive government properties along with his personal belongings.
Muhwezi is seeking damages amounting to Shs 100 million.
As chief trainer, he was responsible for the two facilities and claims that, following the break-in, critical state exhibits including narcotics, explosive samples, and training equipment were lost.
On Wednesday, October 1, the case resumed before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Chief Magistrate’s Court in Makindye, where Mugume appeared in the dock to defend the accused trio. He testified that Muhwezi had refused to hand over office after being suspended, forcing him to order the break-in to prevent services at the unit from stalling.
However, during cross-examination, Muhwezi’s lawyer, Benson Tusasirwe, challenged Mugume’s statement. He argued that Muhwezi was not under suspension at the time, presenting records showing that Muhwezi had reported for duty on the day of the break-in. Mugume, on the other hand, failed to provide any document proving that Muhwezi was subjected to a disciplinary tribunal or granted a fair hearing.
In his written defence, Nangoli asserted that the order to break into the office was issued by Mugume.
The case will resume next month. But according to police insiders who preferred anonymity, the defence appears weak, and if the defendants are convicted, ultimate responsibility may fall on their superior, Mugume.
Dr. Mugume, a former veterinarian, joined the police from the private sector in 2010 when the canine unit was reintroduced. He has since served as commandant for 15 years.
