MP Ssekikubo re-arrested
MP Ssekikubo being taken to police cells by Sembabule DPC Denis Musinguzi. Photo by Wilson Kutamba
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However, the MP said it was a deliberate ploy by government to compel farmers to sell off their livestock at a giveaway price in markets in the neighbouring districts that are already manipulated by a section of businessmen in the region.
Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo was on Wednesday re-arrested on charges of inciting violence, according to Greater Masaka regional police spokesperson Mr Paul Kangave. He is also battling charges he is said to have committed nine years ago.
This comes just a day after he was released on bail by Masaka Chief Magistrate's Court on six charges including attempted murder which he allegedly committed in 2010.
Mr Ssekikubo’s lawyer, Medard Lubega Ssegoona, said his client was picked from his home in Lwemiyaga Trading Centre at around 2:20pm by plain-clothed detectives who drove him in a saloon car to Masaka Central Police Station.
Prior to the arrest, Mr Ssegoona said over 20 policemen on two patrol vehicles first surrounded the home to deny him any escape route.
“He [Ssekikubo] was besieged by over 20 police men at his home while addressing his voters, before he was brutally arrested and bundled him into a waiting saloon car,” Mr Ssegoona told Daily Monitor in a telephone interview
He described the incident as unfortunate and a total breakdown of the rule of law.
“Honourable Ssekikubo was in their custody for three days and if at all they had other cases against him, they could have presented the charge sheet on the same day he was granted bail,” he said.
He wondered why police brutally arrested his client who is a member of parliament instead of summoning him to record a statement at police station.
“It is unfortunate that we still have a police force which acts in a barbaric manner to satisfy one person’s ego,” he said.
“We have re-arrested Mr Ssekikubo on charges of inciting violence. He is currently detained at Masaka Central police station and is expected to appear in court tomorrow (Thursday),” Mr Kangave said.
Mr Ssekikubo was first arrested on Friday on grounds that he allegedly mobilised residents to defy a livestock quarantine, re-opened livestock markets and incited violence against law enforcement officers in Sembabule.
Police had a week earlier closed the market following reported outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the area.
However, the MP said it was a deliberate ploy by government to compel farmers to sell off their livestock at a giveaway price in markets in the neighbouring districts that are already manipulated by a section of businessmen in the region.
