FDC seeks Shs5 billion compensation from government
Budadiri West MP Nathan Nandala Mafabi
KAMPALA- The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is demanding Shs5 billion to replace property that was allegedly vandalised when police raided their headquarters in 2016.
During the party's weekly press conference at the headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Monday, the Secretary General, Mr Nathan Nandala Mafabi said that after waiting for such a long period, the are considering going to court which would compel the state to compensate them.
“We have been waiting for government to give a report or return our property but in vain. We have finished to value all property that was vandalised and taken. If they don't respond, we are dragging them to the courts of law,” he said.
In February 2016, police raided FDC offices and confiscated items that were allegedly being used to tally results of the general elections.
Dr Kiiza Besigye, a four time presidential contender, contested on the party ticket.
According to FDC, the items that were taken by security operatives include a safe containing about Shs200 million, 30 computers, 20 printers, several TV sets, CCTV cameras, a bicycle a mong others.
The marauding security operatives, according to FDC spoiled all ceiling boards in the building.
The FDC officials faulted former Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, his former assistant Asuman Mugenyi, former police spokesman Andrew Felix Kaweesi (RIP) and the Attorney General William Byaruhanga, for ordering and overseeing the raid.
Mr Emilian Kayima, police spokesman said the circumstances under which the items were taken should be explained by the party.
“I am aware at some point there was an operation at FDC offices and it was a lawful raid. Sometimes when the party is aggrieved, it goes to the courts of law. We shall explain all the details of the investigation because this operation has a reason just as all other operations that we carry out,” Mr Kayima said.
He said: “Did they make a police statement about the same? If the properties were taken during investigations, they are exhibits,” he said. “So, until the investigations are done, they will not get them. They are a group of intelligent men and women. They should have taken such a case to police, it is easier to follow it up at that level.”
Efforts to get a comment from the government failed since repeated calls to the head of Government Media Centre could not go through.
