Two Ugandan police officers are facing possible disciplinary action following an internal investigation into allegations that they extorted 3 million Ugandan shillings (approximately $795) from a European consultant in 2025.
The officers, Assistant Superintendents Namutebi Madrine and Turyahikayo Alex, are accused of falsely charging the consultant under Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act in order to coerce payment. The alleged extortion is believed to be linked to a much larger fraud scheme involving the same victim.
The consultant, 67-year-old Belgian national Schelfhout Joris, is at the center of a separate case in which approximately 700 million Ugandan shillings (about $185,000) was reportedly stolen from his bank account in 2024. According to reports, the funds were fraudulently transferred through Absa Bank to an account associated with Kampala-based lawyer Muhindo Patience Audrey.
The incident triggered a criminal investigation that implicated Muhindo and another lawyer, Stuart Kasingye. Both individuals have denied charges of theft and conspiracy and were remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before Makindye Magistrate’s Court.
Authorities suspect that efforts to extort Joris were part of a broader attempt to derail the fraud case. It is alleged that the accused lawyers, working with unidentified security operatives, orchestrated Joris’ arrest to pressure him into abandoning the case and leaving Uganda.
According to local tabloid reports, Joris was arrested on February 13, 2025, at a bar in the Muyenga area of Kampala. He was taken to Muyenga Police Post, where he was accused of “practicing and promoting homosexuality.” However, a subsequent review of police records reportedly found no official record of his arrest.
Instead of being held in a standard detention cell, Joris was reportedly kept in an office for several hours. During this time, he was allegedly threatened with prosecution under the Anti-Homosexuality Act unless he paid 3 million shillings. After making the payment, he was released on police bond.
Reports further allege that the officers involved shared the money and warned Joris to leave the country immediately or face serious consequences.
Fearing for his safety, Joris reportedly left Uganda shortly after the incident. He later returned to reunite with his partner, Rukia Kawere, who is listed as the complainant in the ongoing fraud case.
The Muyenga Police Post operates under Kabalagala Police Station, an area that has been repeatedly cited in reports by human rights organizations as a hotspot for arbitrary arrests and extortion, particularly involving individuals accused of homosexuality-related offenses.
Uganda’s Police Professional Standards Unit has recommended disciplinary action against the two officers, citing misconduct and abuse of authority. Investigators have also advised that the case file be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further legal review.
The case continues to raise concerns about corruption, abuse of power, and the misuse of controversial legislation in Uganda.
