Kampala, Uganda – The Director of Public Prosecutions has withdrawn aggravated trafficking charges against Detective Superintendent of Police Gilbert Arinaitwe Bwana, citing the disappearance of key victims in the case.

Arinaitwe, 43, appeared in court at Buganda Road on August 10, 2023, where he had been facing charges related to sex trafficking. However, during a recent hearing, presiding judge Alice Komuhangi ordered the discharge of the accused after the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence within the allotted time frame.

In an earlier session, Judge Komuhangi had granted the prosecution two additional weeks to produce their witnesses and relevant evidence. Despite the extension, the prosecution was unable to locate the victims or proceed with the case, leading to its dismissal.

As a result, the judge ordered that all personal belongings of Arinaitwe, including his passport, be returned immediately.

Gilbert Arinaitwe Bwana is widely known for his role in the frequent arrests of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in 2011, an act that drew both national and international attention at the time.

The dismissal of the case marks a significant turn in the high-profile legal proceedings, effectively clearing Arinaitwe of the serious allegations that had been leveled against him.