The plain-clothed security agent in red shirt on right has been exposed on Facebook. (photo: Edward Echwalu)

Social media can be a force to reckon with. This is especially true for Gilbert Arinaitwe, a policeman who was exposed on Facebook only hours after footage and photos were published of him smashing the window of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye. Police subsequently sprayed large amounts of pepper spray into the vehicle, injuring Besigye.

Facebooks soon identified Gilbert as a CID officer attached to the Rapid Response Unit. A long article in the Daily Monitor detailed the life of the infamous officer, calling him “Besigye’s tormentor”.

No matter what people have called him, I guess his career as an undercover policeman is over thanks to Facebook. You can guarantee that this will lead to Police policy banning agents from having Facebook accounts.