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I came across a video online showing a woman slapping our police officer, and it has really confused me. I have doubts about whether this video was actually recorded here in Uganda.
JamiiCheck, please help me verify it.
JamiiCheck, please help me verify it.
- Tunachokijua
- The Uganda Police Force (UPF) is one of the key security agencies mandated to ensure the safety and security of citizens and their property. Its responsibilities are outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and the Uganda Police Act. These duties include protecting lives and property, preventing and investigating crime, maintaining law and order, and ensuring public safety nationwide.
Recently, a video has gone viral online, showing two women, one of whom is seen slapping a uniformed Ugandan police officer. The widespread concern regarding this footage revolves around its authenticity, whether it was indeed recorded in Uganda and whether it depicts a real incident rather than a staged act.
Is the Video Authentic?
A digital investigation conducted by JamiiCheck using Google Reverse Image Search has confirmed that the video was first uploaded online on October 18, 2024 (refer to sources here and here). Further verification establishes that the video is genuine and was recorded in Uganda. The footage shows a woman assaulting a Ugandan police officer by slapping him.
Moreover, the official X (formerly Twitter) page of the Uganda Police Force issued a statement regarding the incident. According to their report, the police officer who was stationed at Jinja Road Police Station attempted to stop a white Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number UBM 439T. The vehicle was being driven by Mercy Timbitwire Bashisha, who was accused of causing an accident and failing to stop when ordered to do so. (Archived here)
Details of the Incident and Legal Proceedings
The police statement further elaborated that after reaching the Lugogo Traffic Light Junction, Bashisha parked the vehicle at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Exhibition Grounds and locked it. When the police officer demanded to see her driving permit, instead of complying, she was seen physically assaulting him.
Following this altercation, Bashisha and another woman present at the scene, identified as Bernardine Abangira, were arrested and brought before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court. They faced six charges, including assault, theft, reckless driving, disobeying a lawful police order and Driving without valid insurance.
The case was initially postponed to November 4, 2024, when the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court granted Bashisha bail. She later reappeared before Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza and pleaded not guilty. She was granted bail upon depositing 7.5 million Ugandan shillings in cash and securing sufficient sureties.
Key Takeaway:
The viral video is real and was recorded in Uganda. The woman involved was identified as Mercy Timbitwire Bashisha. She was arrested, charged, and released on bail.
