KAMPALA, Uganda — A few seconds of violence captured on a mobile phone and shared widely online have turned a quiet neighbourhood in Kampala into the focus of a police investigation, after a group of teenagers were filmed assaulting a fellow student.
Police in Kabalagala have arrested 12 suspects, all Senior One students, following the circulation of the video showing several boys attacking a 16-year-old teenager.
Among those detained is the alleged main suspect seen in the footage punching the victim. Police said he is 16, while the other suspects are aged between 14 and 17.
The arrests were made on 17 and 18 September during an intelligence-led operation in Nakibinge Zone, Kibuli Parish, in Kampala’s Makindye Division. The final arrests were carried out at about 0200 local time on 18 September, according to police.
Investigators said the assault itself took place on 13 September at about 1800 in the same area.
The victim, also aged about 16, is now at his mother’s residence in the neighbourhood, where he is receiving medical treatment.
The 12 suspects remain in police custody as investigators work to establish what led to the assault and determine the individual role played by each teenager.
Police have not disclosed the identities of the minors, in line with protections generally afforded to children involved in criminal investigations.
Police spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, Racheal Kawala said authorities were continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident.
The police have also stressed that any action against the suspects must follow procedures applicable to juvenile offenders.
“The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns acts of violence, particularly those involving minors,” she said.
She said police remained committed to protecting the safety and dignity of all people and ensuring that anyone found to have engaged in unlawful conduct is dealt with according to the law and applicable procedures.
Video puts focus on violence among teenagers
The incident has drawn attention after footage of the alleged assault spread across social media, bringing renewed scrutiny to violence involving young people and the speed with which incidents captured on phones can reach a much wider audience.
Police said the investigation remains active and that further information would be released as it becomes available.
The arrests do not, however, amount to a finding of guilt. The suspects remain under investigation, and their respective roles will be determined through the legal process.
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