Heavy deployment in Kibuli as MPs appear at CID over age-limit remarks

Police and military have deployed at CID headquarters in Kibuli, Kampala where four MPs are appearing to record statements over their alleged inciteful remarks.

Four MPs Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga, NRM), Muhammad Nsereko (Kampala Central, Ind), Barnabas Tinkasimire (Buyaga County, NRM) and Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West, DP) are expected at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters at Kibuli today.
“We are looking forward to interacting with them. We hope it will be a brief interaction because we have to attend parliament at 2pm,” Mr Nsereko said.

Mr Sewanyana said: “I know I have committed no offence by speaking out my mind. I’m an MP and that’s what I’m supposed to be doing.”
Ms Monicah Amoding (Kumi, NRM) yesterday said the summonses reflect “panic on the side of those pushing for the amendments”, adding that they are moving on with mobilisations.

The press conference came on the heels of summonses sent through the Office of the Speaker, requiring the legislators to appear for interrogation over “offensive communication and incitement”.
Mr Ssekikubo said the summonses are misplaced and should instead be directed to the State Minister for Investment, Ms Evelyn Anite, who “incited the military against the constitutional order”.
He said the statements were made within the precincts of Parliament.

Mr Nsereko dared the pro-age limit removal group to “refrain from threats since you said you have the numbers”.
“Why do you have to humiliate them if you think they are few in number and you think the decision you are taking is very popular and that you will be welcomed with flowers by the members of the public?” he asked.

Government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa (Kiboga, NRM) has invited NRM MPs to a caucus meeting tomorrow, which will officially approve the amendment.
Mr Raphael Magyezi (NRM, Igara West) was chosen to present a motion seeking leave of Parliament to introduce a Private Member’s Bill, wherein an amendment to Article 102(b) will be contained.

The spokesperson of CID, Mr Vincent Ssekate, said the four MPs must appear at the police.

“We are investigating serious cases that they must appear. If they don’t, then the police will have to use its powers in ensure that they appear for interviews,” Mr Ssekate said.
Yesterday, religious leaders under the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda led by their chairperson Mufti Shaban Mubajje said harassment of people against or for the lifting of the age limit by security agencies should stop.

This isn’t the first time politicians have been summoned for similar offences whenever there is a debate of sticky political issue in the country.
In 2011, during walk-to-work protests against rise in commodity prices more than 20 Opposition leaders were summoned to CID, but many were not prosecuted.