The Uganda Police Force has issued a statement clarifying its position in an ongoing family dispute between Prof. Badru Kateregga and his wife, Mrs. Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga, amid widespread public speculation and media reports.
The police confirmed receiving a complaint regarding the domestic wrangle on November 7, 2024, and promptly launched investigations. The case, registered under file number CID HQRS/GEF 306/204, was subsequently forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for legal guidance.
According to police spokesperson, “The ODPP, after reviewing the file, advised on February 18, 2025, that the matter revolved around family property ownership and management issues, which fall outside the jurisdiction of the police and are best resolved in a civil court.”
The police emphasized that it has no legal authority to evict any party from the disputed premises without a court order. “The expectation by Prof. Kateregga that police or CID, in particular, has powers to remove Mrs. Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga from the premises is outside our mandate,” the statement reads.
They further noted that the position of the ODPP has been formally communicated to both parties through their legal representatives.
“The alteration of possession of property under dispute can only be effected by a court order. Any request to act outside of this legal framework, or in the absence of a court order, cannot be entertained,” police clarified.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to acting strictly within the confines of the law, stating: “As custodians of the law, the Uganda Police can only act within the boundaries of the law. We work in close collaboration with other institutions, such as the ODPP, whose advice and directives we adhere to without deviation.”
They dismissed suggestions that police can act independently of the ODPP or bend procedures to suit individual interests. “Any notion that the police can override the opinion of the ODPP or carry out actions contrary to established legal procedures is unfounded.”
Police urged the feuding parties to seek redress through proper legal channels, underscoring their impartiality in handling such sensitive domestic matters.
