Kisoro District Woman MP, Rose Kabagenyi was Tuesday left disappointed after her efforts to raise the matter of former Inspector General of Police, General Kale Kayihura’s arrest yielded nothing.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the lawmaker said: “This has not been a normal occurrence in the country without dwelling on the merits of the case, I would like to raise pertinent issues pertaining the anxiety of the people of Kisoro and the country at large. We are disturbed by the conflicting statements surrounding the circumstances of the arrest and detention of the former IGP and we are alarmed by the media speculation and the information the media is feeding to the country. The right of personal liberty is fundamental right guaranteed under the article 23 of the constitution.”
However, MPs from both the ruling NRM party and opposition were quick to bash her move, saying the former IGP should face the full arm of the law regarding his ‘criminality’.
William Nzoghu, the Busongora County North MP, said: “The MP is raising the issue about the former IGP who was the custodian of law and order.
General Kayihura has arrested many people and has actually criminalized many people including the people whom he arrested and superintended over their killings. The Commander in Chief in his wisdom has arrested General Kayihura in connection with his dealings as far as criminality is concerned in this country and for the safety and security of our country.
Is the Member in order to actually challenge the decision which the CiC (Commander in Chief) has taken to ensure the peace for this country and make sure Kayihura pays for his sins?”
At this point, Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga asked Kabagenyi: What is your ultimate goal? What is your ultimate objective in what you are raising?
Kabagenyi retorted: “Given the circumstances around his arrest, we just want to know why he was arrested, and we want Government to guarantee the constitutional right of 48hours that a person has to be produced in court.”
Gaster Mugoya, Bukooli County North MP, added: “I want to inform this August House that there is a lot about this Kayihura saga. When I had just entered this House, I raised the issue of over centralization of power in the hands of one man. So is it procedurally right for a member from Kisoro to come and require us to give an explanation when there are several crimes that are purportedly to have been committed by the officer?”
In her ruling, Kadaga said: “I believe the matter is under investigation, we have no value addition at this stage. Leave that matter.”
In a statements dated June13 and 14, 2018, Brigadier Richard Karemire, Defence Spokesperson confirmed the arrest and detention General Kayihura at Makindye Military Barracks.
The army said Kayihura “is being questioned on a matter the details of which cannot at this point be divulged.”
