By Spy Uganda
The Uganda Police Force has distanced itself from the ongoing domestic dispute between renowned academic Prof. Badru Kateregga and his wife, Mrs. Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga, clarifying that the matter is civil in nature and outside its jurisdiction.
In a press release dated 25th July 2025, the police noted that it had seen “a statement circulating in social media and other media outlets concerning a dispute between Prof. Badru Kateregga and his wife, Mrs. Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga in which they drag the police in their family dispute.”
According to the police, the case was officially received on 7th November 2024 and investigated under file number CID HQRS/GEF 306/204, after which it was forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for legal guidance.
The ODPP, after reviewing the case, concluded that “the family differences are rooted in property ownership and management which is out of control of Police and can best be handled by a civil court.”
This, the police emphasized, means they have no mandate to enforce property repossession or eviction without a court order.
“The expectation by Prof. Kateregga that police or CID in particular, has powers to remove Mrs. Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga from the premises is outside our mandate,” the statement said.
They further clarified that “the alteration of possession of property under dispute can only be effected by a court order. Any request to act outside of this legal framework, or in the absence of a court order, cannot be entertained.”
Reinforcing their position, the Uganda Police warned that “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 with a call for calm and legal redress:
“The Uganda Police Force remains dedicated to upholding the law impartially and urges all parties involved to utilize lawful avenues for resolving their differences.”
This clarification comes after rising public interest and speculation on social media regarding the police’s role in the domestic dispute, particularly whether forceful eviction could be sanctioned without a court process. 
