In South Africa the police, newspapers, local leaders and all people in power are not allowed to identify suspects in crimes until they have appeared in court. Presumption of innocence in South Africa is highly respected.

But in Uganda one is presumed guilty immediately or shortly after arrest. On arrest or immediately after the police, government officials and other public figures may parade you before cameras/journalists.

Then the police, army, or the government officials call you a criminal, fraudster, rapist, rebel, conman, thief, murder etc. The inspector General of police, the president, ministers, members of parliament etc may mention you as a criminal on radios, Television (TV) before   investigations commence. While you are in the police custody, the police, the army and some government officials may treat you as a convict prior to trial. After spending over seven years in prison, the government comes out to announce that it has lost interest in your case.

Walakira Nyanzi

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