Police quiz Wafula over Besigye swearing-in Video
Out going leader of opposition in parliament Mr Wafula Oguutu arrives at Special Investigations Division (SID) Kireka for questioning over Besigye swearing-in video. Courtesy photo
The out-going leader of the Opposition Wafula Oguttu Tuesday reported at the Special Investigations Division (SID) of the Uganda Police after skipping yesterday’s summonses in which he and other FDC leaders had to record statements in connection with their alleged presence at an illegal presidential swearing in.
Police say Mr Oguttu, FDC party chairman Wasswa Biriggwa, and former MP and FDC treasurer Geoffrey Ekanya, concealed treason when they witnessed Dr Kizza Besigye, the former party presidential candidate, illegally swearing in as the president of Uganda.
Upon his arrival for questioning at SID, Mr Wafula said he had not come with his lawyer who had travelled upcountry.
“If the police have the power, they should do whatever they want with me,” Mr Wafula said.
Mr Wafula also told journalists that he was not aware of the offences for which he was summoned by police.
Mr Oguttu talked to the SID commandant Mark Odongo and left without recording a statement since he didn't have a lawyer. He was told told to return on Thursday.
However, the other FDC officials didn't show up. Mr Birigwa is reportedly out of the country while Mr Ekanya was in court for an election petition hearing.
The summonses follow a video clip on social media in which Dr Besigye was swearing in as the president of Uganda.
Dr Besigye was charged with treason in Moroto Magistrate’s Court on Friday and remanded to prison.
The Electoral Commission declared Dr Besigye as first runner-up in the February presidential polls. However, the four-time presidential candidate contested results saying the elections were rigged in favour of the incumbent President Museveni.
According to summonses signed by Mr Odongo, each was supposed not to fail to appear at his office on Monday. “I was expecting them here at 9am. I am still waiting for them,” Mr Odongo said.
Concealment of treason is a capital offence that is only tried in the High Court.
Police said the trio witnessed the illegal swearing in are FDC party officials, but they neither prevented the illegal oath nor did they inform the police or any other official specified in the law about it.
