The Uganda Police Force has dismissed claims by Prof. Badru Kateregga alleging police inaction in a domestic dispute involving his wife, Mrs. Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga, clarifying that the matter falls outside its mandate and is best handled through civil court proceedings.
In a detailed statement issued on Friday, the Police addressed growing public interest and widespread commentary surrounding the dispute, which has recently been brought into the media spotlight by Prof. Kateregga, the founder and Chancellor of Kampala University.
“The domestic dispute between Prof. Kateregga and his wife was brought to our attention on 7th November 2024. It was fully investigated under file number CID HQRS/GEF 306/204 and subsequently submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for legal guidance,” the Police stated.
According to the Police, the ODPP reviewed the file and, on 18th February 2025, advised that the disagreement centers on property ownership and management—issues that fall under civil, not criminal, jurisdiction.
“The expectation by Prof. Kateregga that Police, or the Criminal Investigations Directorate in particular, has powers to remove Mrs. Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga from the premises is outside our mandate,” the statement read.
The Force further emphasized that it cannot enforce property transfers or alter possession of contested premises without a valid court order.
“Any request to act outside of this legal framework, or in the absence of a court order, cannot be entertained,” it said.
While acknowledging the complexity and sensitivity of the dispute, Police reiterated its commitment to upholding the law impartially and within clearly defined legal limits.
“As custodians of the law, the Uganda Police can only act within the boundaries of the law. We work in close collaboration with institutions like the ODPP, whose advice and directives we follow without deviation,” the statement continued.
The Force urged both parties to respect the legal process and resolve their issues through appropriate civil channels.
“Any notion that the Police can override the opinion of the ODPP or carry out actions contrary to established legal procedures is unfounded,” the statement concluded.
The Police did not disclose the specific details or location of the property in dispute but maintained that no special treatment would be accorded to either party in what it described as a private civil matter.
