By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: July 25, 2025
The Founding Vice-Chancellor of Kampala University, Prof. Badru D. Kateregga, has expressed deep concern and frustration over the persistent inaction and apparent bias demonstrated by the Uganda Police Force, particularly the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and its head, in a matter affecting his personal security, property rights, and fundamental access to justice.
A History of Violence and Neglect
In September 2024, Prof. Kateregga suffered a serious head injury as a result of violent acts perpetrated by his estranged wife, Ms. Jolly Shubaiha Irankunda. Despite his family’s efforts to rescue him, he was held captive in their home in Buziga for several days. After undergoing emergency brain surgery, Prof. Kateregga has been living in a rehabilitation home under 24-hour medical care.
In November 2024, Prof. Kateregga reported the incident to the Family and Children Police Unit headquarters in Naguru, requesting protection, support, and a formal investigation into the aggravated domestic violence and attempted murder. The matter was transferred to CID Kibuli, and a file was opened under Reference Number GEF-306/2024. However, no tangible action was taken, and repeated reminders to CID Kibuli were met with silence.
Theft of Property
In May 2025, Prof. Kateregga reported to Kabalagala Police Station that Ms. Irankunda had illegally prevented him from accessing his residence in Buziga and had stolen his properties, including a Range Rover Vogue, a V8 Land Cruiser, a Jeep, land titles, academic documents, official University documents, and large sums of money. Despite this, no action has been taken by CID.
IGP Directs CID to Investigate
On May 26, 2025, Prof. Kateregga’s lawyers, Muwema and Company Advocates & Solicitors, wrote to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), requesting protection and assistance in accessing his residence. The IGP responded positively on June 10, 2025, directing CID to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attempted murder and theft of Prof. Kateregga’s property. However, CID has ignored the directive and failed to take any action.
Obstruction of Justice
Instead of investigating the matter, the Director of CID, Mr. Tom Magambo, has become increasingly active in obstructing justice in Prof. Kateregga’s case. He has been seen at Prof. Kateregga’s residence on multiple occasions, raising questions about his authority and intentions. High-profile surveillance CCTV cameras have been installed on the road to Prof. Kateregga’s home without his knowledge or consent, and civilians have been arrested and detained for simply being near the house.
Call for Justice and Intervention
Prof. Kateregga is calling for an in-person appointment with the IGP to find a constructive way forward. He believes that justice delayed is justice denied and refuses to be a victim of institutional neglect. He has thanked the media, the public, his family, and well-wishers for their continued support and has also thanked the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his tweet sympathizing with him and directing the police to take action.
