Mercy Timbitwire Bashisha arrested for assaulting police officer

The altercation, which occurred on Friday, October 18, 2024, at around 11:55 AM, began when the officer from Jinja Road Police Station attempted to stop her for allegedly causing a traffic accident.

According to police, Timbitwire, who was driving a white Toyota Land Cruiser (registration No. UBM 439T), ignored the officer's signals to stop and continued driving while using her phone.

The officer eventually caught up with her at the Lugogo traffic lights, where she pulled over and parked at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) premises.

The officer then requested her driving permit, but instead of complying, she allegedly resorted to intimidating and assaulting him.

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Mercy Timbitwire Bashisha pulse uganda

The incident escalated further when Timbitwire reportedly confiscated the officer’s EPS gadget, as well as two of his phones. Following the confrontation, she was detained as investigations into the case were launched.

A video of the altercation was recorded and shared online, quickly going viral on social media.

The altercation

In the footage, Timbitwire can be seen confronting the police officer, at one point trying to record his badge number.

When the officer appears to reach for her phone, she reacts by pushing him, causing him to stagger and lose his beret. The situation worsens when she slaps the officer and accuses him of breaking her phone, angrily asking, "Are you supposed to touch me? Am I your wife?"

Towards the end of the video, the police officer is seen removing the number plate from her vehicle. Timbitwire then tries to snatch it back before the video abruptly ends.

Detained

The Uganda Police have confirmed that Timbitwire is currently in detention and that the investigation is ongoing.

The police have condemned the assault on their officer and reassured the public that the law will take its course.

The video has sparked widespread discussions on social media, with many calling for respect for law enforcement officers and others questioning the manner in which the situation was handled.