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Do I have a right to know the person questioning me?
A person may ask the officer for his/her identity document, showing his name and photograph before answering. If the officer refuses to show it, the person need not give his or her name and address. Even plain clothes Police must carry identity documents. If the Police officer identifies himself the person must give his or her name and address. Failure to do so may result into being detained.
What if I do not want to say anything more than names and address?
Police may not force you to answer further questions. The person may agree to answer further questions or agree to do so only in the presence of his or her lawyer. Whenever possible, it is wise to consult a lawyer before deciding. However, since most people do not have money to have a lawyer, attempts should be made to get legal aid services where that is possible. Where it is not possible to secure legal aid services, the suspect should try to answer those questions that will not incriminate him or her.
Is Police allowed to Assault people?
The Police are not allowed to assault people for failing to answer questions or refusing to make statements although, they may use reasonable force against people who resist arrest. If a person is assaulted, he or she should report the assault to a senior Police officer, see a doctor and a lawyer as soon as possible. The assaulted person should also tell the Magistrate when he or she appears in court.
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The Secretary
Judicial Service Commission
Nile Avenue, Kingdom Kampala Building, 8th Floor,
P.O. Box 7679, Kampala, Uganda.
E-mail: info@jsc.go.ug
Telephone: 0414-344154/230058
Toll Free Line: 0800100222
Fax: 0414-254090
URL:http://www.jsc.go.ug
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