Byanyima to appear at police today over sectarian comments

Edith Byanyima. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA

What you need to know:

  • According to the Penal Code Act, a person who makes or utters any statement which is likely to promote, in any other way, “feelings of ill will or hostility among or against, any group or body of persons on account of religion, tribe or ethnic or regional origin commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years”.

KAMPALA. The aunt to the Kanyamunyu brothers, who are facing charges of murder of Kenneth Akena, is expected to appear at police’s Special Investigations Division in Kireka today over allegations of promoting sectarianism and incitement of violence.
Ms Edith Byanyima is alleged to have made sectarian statement in an interview with a local online media accusing people of a certain tribe of being behind the death of the father of Joseph and Matthew Kanyamunyu.
In a letter addressed to Ms Byanyima, the acting deputy director Special Investigations Division, Mr Henry Mugumya

Akena murder: Police summon Byanyima over sectarian comments

Ms Byanyima, an aunt to Matthew Kanyamunyu, the prime suspect in the murder of child rights activist Kenneth Akena Watmon allegedly uttered a 'sectarian' proclamation

in the morning for interrogation.

“Pursuant to Section 27A of the police Act, you are required to report to the Special Investigations Division Kireka on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 1000hrs, to assist in providing valuable information in respect to the matter being investigated. You will report to the AG. Deputy Director for further guidance,” read part of the letter dated January 19.
Edith Byanyima is a sister to Ms Winnie Byanyima, the Director of Oxfam International.
Following Ms Byanyima’s interview, several Members of Parliament from the northern region and human rights activists have been demanding the police to investigate her for the comments.

A team of lawyers representing Akena’s family also wrote to the Inspector General of Police demanding for an investigation.
“We act for and on behalf of the family of the late Akena with instructions to address you as here below. Our attention has been drawn to social media publication of ChimpReports attributed to Edith Byanyima, which you may be aware of, entitled 'Byanyima; Acholi soldiers killed Kanyamunyu's father; Acholi Policemen haunting Bahima,”the lawyer’s letter to the police chief reads in part.

According to the Penal Code Act, a person who makes or utters any statement which is likely to promote, in any other way, “feelings of ill will or hostility among or against, any group or body of persons on account of religion, tribe or ethnic or regional origin commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years”.