12 arrested after viral video shows teenager being assaulted in Kampala

The dozen were seen in the video, which made the rounds on social media, punching the teenager, drawing public outcry and the demand for their arrest.

Twelve people have been arrested after being filmed assaulting a teenager in Kabalagala, Makindye Division in Kampala on Sunday, September 13, Kampala Metropolitan Spokesperson, Ms Rachael Kawala, has said.

The dozen were seen in the video, which made the rounds on social media, punching the teenager, drawing public outcry and the demand for their arrest.

The suspects are all teenagers aged between 14 and 17, and believed to be students. They are being held at Kabalagala Police Station.

"The suspects were apprehended on 17 and 18 September 2026, with the final arrests being effected at approximately 0200hrs on 18 September 2026, during the operation that was conducted in Makindye Division," Ms Kawala said.

The assault incident occurred on 13 September 2026 in Nakibinge Zone, Kibuli Parish, Makindye Division, in Kampala District.

Ms Kawala said the victim was first taken to hospital and later discharged, but is now at his mother's residence, where he is receiving further medical treatment.

The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and the respective roles of each suspect.

"The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns acts of violence, particularly those involving minors, and reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding the safety and dignity of all persons, and ensuring that individuals found to have engaged in unlawful conduct are dealt with in accordance with the law and applicable procedures governing juvenile offenders," Ms Kawala said.