Kadaga stops MPs from debating Kayihura

Former Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura

Kampala-Parliament will not discuss the arrest and detention of former Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura, according to Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
She said on Tuesday during plenary that such debate would be of no use since Gen Kayihura’s predicament is still under investigation.

“The matter is under investigation. We have no value-addition at this stage. Leave that matter,” Ms Kadaga said.
Ms Rose Kabagyenyi, the Kisoro District Woman MP, had earlier implored the House to interest itself in Gen Kayihura’s case.

“We are disturbed by the conflicting statements surrounding the circumstances of the arrest and detention of the former IGP...” Ms Kabagyenyi said.

She said: “We want to know why he was arrested. We want the government to tell us about the constitutional right to be brought to court not later than 48 hours from the time of a person’s arrest.”
In January this year, Gen. Kayihura asked Parliament to consider introducing a law that would enable security operatives to detain suspects beyond 48 hours.

Gen Kayihura claimed that some of the suspects released on police bond or court bail go into hiding soon afterwards.
Speaking during plenary, Busongora North Member of Parliament (MP), Mr William Nzoghu, said Gen Kayihura should face the music.

“Gen Kayihura arrested many people including the people of Kasese...The Commander-in-Chief [Gen Yoweri Museveni], in his wisdom, has arrested Gen Kayihura... for the safety and security of our country,” Mr Nzoghu said.
“Is Hon Kabagyenyi in order to challenge the decision the Commander-in-Chief has taken to ensure that there is security in this country and to make sure he also pays for his sins?”

Contributing on the matter, Bukooli North MP, Gaster Mugoya, said he had in the past warned Ugandans about the dangers of giving one person a lot of powers.

“I raised the issue of over-centralisation of power in the hands of one man...So, is it procedurally right for a Member of Parliament from Kisoro to come and require us or this House or government to give an explanation when there are several crimes that are purported to have been committed by the officer?” Mr Mugoya asked.

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Gen Kayihura arrested, taken to unknown place

He was picked today from his Lyantonde home and flown to Kampala in a chopper for further investigations