MP Abiriga murder, Kayihura dominate Law society report

Kampala- The detention of former Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura beyond the 48-hour limit, conducting of Local Council elections by lining up behind a candidate and the murder of Arua Municipality MP, Ibrahim Abiriga, dominated the second quarterly rule of law report released by Uganda Law Society (ULS) yesterday.

In a report titled ‘The State of the Rule of Law in Uganda,’ presented by Prof Fredrick Ssempebwa, ULS documented the rule of law events that happened from April to June.

During the review period, human rights violations were once again prominent, including increased kidnaps, threat to life, rights to liberty, environmental rights and freedoms of speech and press.

“The Uganda Law Society has noted with great concern, the pattern of violations of the rule of law and good governance by the security organs and intelligence in Uganda,” the second quarterly report, reads in part.

“On June 13, 2018, the former IGP, Gen Edward Kale Kayihura, together with four senior police officers were arrested and have spent more than two weeks without any appearance in the courts of law,” it states.

By press time yesterday, the former IGP was still being held at Makindye Military Barracks, in Kampala without being formally charged.

Prof Ssempebwa castigated those holding the former IGP for not following the 48-hour rule as demanded by the Constitution.

“We had issues with the former IGP but when it comes to the upholding human rights, we always stand by everyone. We also noted the arrest and detention of Hon Betty Nambooze in a hospital,” he said.

Article 23 (4) (d), demands that a person arrested or detained should be brought to court in not later than 48-hours from the time of his or her arrest.

The army has since the arrest of Gen Kayihura been silent on offences he is likely to face.
The ULS recommend that those individuals involved in violating Gen Kayihura’s liberty and other suspects should be personally held culpable.

The killing of Abiriga and his brother Saidi Buga, was the other highlight of ULS quarterly report.
“It is gratifying to note that the President is concerned with issues of insecurity and he has recommended a 10-point programme to respond to the changes. The 10 points should be analysed and assessed for their effectiveness,” the report states.

LC POLLS

Procedure criticised: The report warned of consequences that may emerge out of the Local Council elections, whose arrangement is to have the electorate line up behind their preferred candidates.
“The electoral process contradicts the international and national rules of good governance and human rights observance. Article 68 of the Constitution provides that voting shall be conducted by a secret ballot,” the report adds.
Schedule: According to the EC road map, women council and committee elections were held yesterday with the LC1 set for July 10.
Shortage of funds: Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah said there was insufficient money to facilitate voting by secret ballot.

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