Following a video of NBS TV’s Casmir Mukisa alias MC Casmir nabbed in bed with a married woman that made rounds on social media last week, police has issued a statement on the incident.
“Last week, we witnessed a shameful incident of adultery, a purely civil matter, which was criminalised and responded to by inspector of police, Julius Ogwang Of Kira Road Police Station. The two victims were arrested and interrogated on camera, in a manner that violated their privacy, ” Police states.
Police highlighted how Adultery is no longer a criminal case.
“Adultery, is no longer a criminal offence in the country. Therefore, criminalising it, is an act of unprofessionalism and abuse of authority, which the force cannot tolerate, ” reads the statement.
The force also cautioned all married persons to respect the sanctity of marriage.
“We also want to caution, all married persons whether in estranged, complex or sensitive relationships, to respect the sanctity of marriage and use of lawful means, instead of smearing one’s reputation, ” reads the statement.
It further states, ” Adultery, can however, be used as a ground for civil processes like divorce, separation, custody of children and sharing of property. Other areas where the public, in conspiracy with selected officers, criminalise civil matters, are private debts, where thousands are threatened with arrest.”
It also condemned the criminalisation of the civil matters in police and revealed how the officer involved in the matter was arrested.
“We strongly condemn the criminalisation of civil matters in police. The officer who registered the case, IP Ogwang Julius, is arrested and charged with discreditable conduct, which upon conviction, can lead to a dismissal from the force. Our action therefore, should act as a warning to other undisciplined officers, who look to gain from proceeds of their selfish interests, at the expense of the UPF mandate. The role of the police in civil conflicts, complaints and disagreements is to protect life and property, ” reads the statement.
Police also identified circumstances where the matters can be reported to police.
“However, there are other circumstances, were victimised married person, can report their matters to police. These include complaints of elopement, where one elopes with a married person and stays with them, trafficking in persons, where a person uses their power or positions of superiority and takes advantage of the victim’s vulnerability or disability, and under domestic violence, where the victim is tortured physically or emotionally, by the sexual behaviour of a married partner,” states police.
It further states, “As we conclude, we would like to emphasize, that the alleged actions of the officer, does not represent the majority of exceptional police officers, who go above and beyond the call of duty, to protect the community, each and every day.”