11/October/2025
by Y.Emma#lcctv reporter
KAMPALA – A public altercation involving former Kawempe South Member of Parliament, Mubarak Munyagwa, and a police officer has sparked debate about the application of security protocols and the conduct of public officials in Uganda. The incident, which was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media, occurred at a popular restaurant in downtown Kampala.
Eyewitnesses and the video footage show the heart of the dispute: Mr. Munyagwa insisted on entering and dining at a restaurant that was temporarily under a security cordon. A police officer, tasked with maintaining order in the busy area, firmly refused him entry.
In the heated exchange, Munyagwa, known for his outspoken nature, could be seen and heard challenging the officer’s authority. He demanded to know why he was being barred from a public business and questioned the legal basis for the restriction.
The officer, who remained calm but resolute throughout the encounter, explained that his instructions were to restrict movement and congregation in the area as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and maintain order. He stood his ground, preventing the former legislator from proceeding.
While the specific reason for the security cordon was not immediately made clear by the police, such temporary measures are not uncommon in Kampala, often implemented during high-profile motorcade movements or as part of crime prevention operations.
This incident, however, has raised two primary points of discussion: The police force has defended its officer’s actions, with a spokesperson stating that security directives are applied uniformly for the safety of all citizens. They argue that no individual, regardless of status, is above these temporary measures.
Critics and commentators have questioned Munyagwa’s approach. Some have applauded him for challenging what they see as arbitrary use of power, while others have accused him of attempting to use his former status to bypass rules that apply to ordinary citizens.
Mubarak Munyagwa has since commented on the incident, stating that he believes the officer’s actions were an “abuse of power” and an unnecessary inconvenience. He has vowed to follow up with the police leadership on the matter.
The Uganda Police Force is yet to release an official statement specifically addressing the Munyagwa incident, but the viral video has ensured it remains a topic of public conversation, highlighting the ongoing tension between individual liberties and state security measures.
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