Residents storm DISO’s office over missing suspected Rwandan rebels
Some of the residents outside the DISO's office in Kakumiro town. PHOTO BY ALEX TUMUHIMBISE
KAKUMIRO- A group of residents in Igayaza Town Council, Kakumiro District have stormed the office of the district Internal Security Officer (DISO) demanding to know the whereabouts of two people who were arrested by security operatives for allegedly plotting a rebellion against the government of Rwanda.
Mr Abdul Karim Niwamanya and Mr Abdul Safari, all residents of Igayaza Town Council, Kakumiro District were arrested on Friday at about 5:30pm, reportedly by International Security Organisation (ISO) operatives.
Mr Ali Ahimbisibwe a retired UPDF officer, who is the father Mr Niwamanya said that he teamed up with other concerned residents and went to the DISO’s office to find out the whereabouts of his son but were referred to ISO offices in Kampala.
He said that when they travelled to Kampala, they were told to go back to Kakumiro and find out the whereabouts of their relatives from the DISO.
‘‘How can my son engage in rebel activities yet I am the one who works with security? I want the DISO to tell us where these people are being held,” Mr Ahimbisibwe said.
However, the DISO, Mr Edward Byarugaba, did not give them attention and locked himself in his office for about six hours. He was later rescued by police who took him to Kakumiro Police Station.
The Kakumiro Resident District Commissioner, Ms Mary Lule Senkungu faulted the security operatives for carrying out such arrests without informing the districtpolice and other relevant security officials in the district.
‘‘I went to the Minister for Security who was not in office. I found out from office attendants that the suspects are still alive and safe,’’ Ms Senkungu said.
Kakumiro District Police Commander, Mr Hassan Katumba Mugerwa said he was never notified about the operation in which the suspects were arrested.
In June, two people from Kakumiro Town Council were arrested and probed by security operatives for allegedly recruiting rebels to join an armed campaign against the government of Rwanda.
Kakumiro, Kibaale and Kagadi districts are a haven for immigrants from Rwanda who encroach on central forest reserves and wetlands to carry out farming and related activities.
