MP Zaake blocked from travelling to India hospital

Medical workers attend to ailing MP Zaake inside the VIP Lounge at Entebbe Airport. Photo by James Kabengwa

Tortured Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament, Mr Francis Zaake, who is scheduled to travel to India for specialised medical attention, has been blocked at Entebbe Airport by Aviation Police.

The MP who was arrested and tortured by security operatives on the eve of Arua Municipality by-election, two weeks ago, is stuck in the VIP Lounge.

Mr Zaake left Rubaga Hospital, where he has spent a fortnight, in an ambulance on Thursday  morning.

 Mr Asuman Basalirwa, one of Mr Zaake’s lawyers said at the airport that they are not aware that his client is wanted by police or court to warrant police clearance, before travelling.

“A police officer by the name of Oloka has informed me that we need police clearance from police for him to be able to travel. We informed him that we are not aware that the Hon Francis Zaake is wanted by police or court. But even if he was wanted, his condition cannot allow him to either go to police or court,” Mr Basalirwa said. “So, the best thing is for government to clear him to travel to India for medical treatment. His condition is dire. If he is not cleared, Hon Zaake could easily die from here. So, we are waiting for 12 o’clock which is check in time, we try to get him to the plane, if they stop us, then we will see what to do.”

Police spokesperson, Mr Emilian Kayima says he is aware that Mr Zaake has been stopped at the airport but he is yet to get details.
"I am still busy with something but will find out and tell you," Mr Kayima said.

Mr Zaake is scheduled to travel with his wife Bridget Namirembe. The family is footing the bill.