Defence lawyers task rights body to order Bobi’s release
Mr Med Kaggwa
Kampala- A team of 24 prominent lawyers assembled to defend Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine yesterday pressed Mr Med Kaggwa, the head of the statutory rights group, to invoke his constitutional powers and order the release of the detained lawmaker.
“This time we believe the (Uganda Human Rights) Commission can go above statements and sting. We know you have the mandate,” said Mr Erias Lukwago, one of the defence lawyers.
Article 53(2) of the Constitution provides that: “The Commission may, if satisfied that there has been an infringement of a human right or freedom, order: - (a) the release of a detained or restricted person; (b) payment of compensation; or (c) any other legal remedy or redress.”
In a meeting at the Commission’s headquarters on Lumumba Avenue in Kampala, the lawyers raised the prohibition of private medical care, legal representation, restricted family visits and a blockade on media among a litany of complaints.
They also spoke of impunity by elements in police and the Special Forces Command as well as illegal use of the phones of the suspect in custody to ensnare other people.
Resolving concerns
Mr Kaggwa told the legal team that he was committed to resolving the concerns raised with speed to safeguard Bobi Wine’s rights.
“We have been at the forefront of fighting torture. I don’t have trust in the Police [Professional] Standards Unit [to handle torture by its officers]; we want the Anti-Torture law to act because it took us seven years before it was assented to,” Mr Kaggwa said.
Mr Bobi Wine was taken into custody on Monday, last week, alongside 35 others over the by-election campaign chaos in Arua during which the state says one of the Presidential motorcade cars was stoned.
The MP, currently receiving treatment at Makindye Military Barracks in Kampala, was charged last Thursday by the army General Court Martial with illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions.
The other suspects remanded to prison in Gulu have been charged with offences ranging from treason to incitement of violence and causing damage to property.
Conflicting reports
Yesterday’s meeting at the UHRC followed conflicting reports about the health condition of Bobi Wine. Whereas the family said he suffered various injurious and remains in great pain, the President, security forces and a select group of legislators reported that the musician-turned-politician is fine.
