On 9th February 2022, NBS Hitmaker show host MC Casmir was accused of sleeping with someone’s wife, that saw him arrested and harassed on camera as seen in a viral video clip that made rounds on social media.
MC Casmir’s video attracted the attention of all classifications of people, some criticizing the act of filming the presenter as it violated the couple’s privacy.
In a statement MC Casmir issued via his social media platforms, he vowed to deal with the security operatives and the supposed husband of the woman for humiliating him and his brand tarnished.
Reacting to the above, Uganda Police via its social media platforms stated that criminalizing MC Casmir’s case was an act of unprofessionalism and abuse of authority, which the force cannot tolerate.
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The statement further reveals that adultery is not a criminal offense in Uganda, as it is a purely civil matter.
Police also urged married persons whether in estranged, complex, or sensitive relationships, to respect the sanctity of marriage and use lawful means, instead of smearing one’s reputation.
Last week, we witnessed an incident where a shameful incident of adultery, a purely civil matter, was criminalized and responded to by inspector of police, Julius Ogwang Of Kira Road Police Station.
1/2https://t.co/KCqDfQ0ZVC— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) February 14, 2022
Below is the detailed police statement regarding the matter as issued by CP Enanga Fred Uganda Police Spokesperson.
Last week, we witnessed an incident where a shameful incident of adultery, a purely civil matter, was criminalized 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. Adultery, is no longer a criminal offence in our country. Therefore, criminalizing it, is an act of unprofessionalism and abuse of authority, which the force cannot tolerate.
We also want to cation, all married persons whether in estranged, complex or sensitive relationships, to respect the sanctity of marriage and use lawful means, instead of smearing one’s reputation. 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, criminalize civil matters, are private debts, where thousands are threatened with arrest.
We strongly condemn the criminalization 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.
However, there are other circumstances, were victimized 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 behavior of a married partner.
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.
CP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
14th February 2022
