School Director Arrested for Unlawfully Detaining Cook For Over 100 Days

In a shocking turn of events, Yoweri Kasozi, the director of Mentor High School and proprietor of Tooto Wetu Education Programme Children and Youth Centre in Kajjansi, has been arrested by police for unlawfully detaining the school cook, Daniel Euriana, for over 100 days.

The ordeal began when Kasozi accused Euriana of stealing five drums and four iron sheets on December 2, 2023. Instead of reporting the alleged theft to the police, Kasozi took matters into his own hands and confined Euriana to a store within the premises from December 2, 2023, until March 13, 2024.

According to Kasozi’s statement at Kajjansi police station, he defended his actions by claiming that Euriana deserved punishment for stealing from his employer. Kasozi stated, “I promoted Euriana from being a school guard to a cook. He was in charge of the store when we found five drums and four iron sheets missing. I suspect he was responsible.”

Euriana, aged 21, recounted a harrowing experience of being tortured and denied communication with his relatives during his confinement. He expressed his distress, stating, “I cried for help but no one came to my rescue. I was beaten, and I was denied the chance to communicate with my relatives.”

The unlawful confinement came to light when a whistleblower alerted the Kajjansi division police commander (DPC) about the situation. The DPC, along with other police officers, conducted a raid on the premises, leading to Euriana’s rescue on March 13, 2024.

ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, condemned Kasozi’s actions and emphasized that people should not take the law into their own hands. He stated, “On the 13th of March 2024, the DPC Kajjansi received information from a whistleblower regarding this unlawful confinement. A raid was conducted, leading to the rescue of Daniel. His statement has been recorded, confirming that he had been unlawfully detained by his employer for approximately four months.”

The police have issued a warning against turning homes or workplaces into confinement centers and stressed the importance of seeking police intervention in such matters. Kasozi faces charges of unlawful confinement as investigations into the incident continue.