Oulanyah encourages MPs to visit Safe Houses
What you need to know:
- It is alleged that the victims are detained in safe houses, some of which are located in Kyengera, in Wakiso District. Some victims have reportedly been transported overnight through Katabi Military Barracks to Ssese Islands (Kalangala District), where they are detained incommunicado and tortured.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah has instructed the House Committee on Human Rights not to abandon the ongoing inquiry into alleged torture of civilians by state security agencies in secluded houses commonly known as safe houses.
Mr Oulanyah issued the directive on Thursday during the plenary.
He says, the committee chaired by Buvuma County MP, Ms Jennipher Egunyu Nantume (NRM) should serve the mandate given to it by Parliament.
“You have the prerogative of this House. You have the mandate of this House. You have been given an assignment to go and visit the places,” Mr Oulanyah said. “You go and be stopped there [at the entrance of suspected safe houses], then another issue will arise; right now there is nothing.”
The deputy speaker was responding to a concern that was raised by Kalungu West MP, Mr Joseph Sewungu (DP) who reminded the House that on Wednesday, Security Minister Gen Elly Tumwine, told MPs that they would not be allowed to visit the detention facilities.
“There are areas which for security reasons, this Committee cannot visit; if a witness who is scared of his colleagues who are criminals runs to the state for protection, would it be wise or in public interest to reveal the whereabouts of such a person?” Gen Tumwine asked the MPs.
He said that even at their homes, there are places where some members of the family are not allowed to access adding that the House Rules of Procedure do not supersede security matters.
Mr Oulanyah said that unless members have been stopped from accessing the alleged torture facilities, the House cannot proceed on assumed deterrence.
Meanwhile, Ms Nantume cited possible conflict of interest since key complainants and witnesses are members of the committee.
“We have had challenges since the first person who brought the matter to Parliament [Mr Latif Ssebaggala] is a member of this Committee,” Ms Egunyu said.
“The witnesses we are intend to invite or those that want to testify are members of the Committee while others are MPs,” she said.
The deputy speaker said that MPs who want to testify should declare their interest and only participate as witnesses and desist from taking part in debates and decision positions.
The Committee is investigating allegations of torture by security operatives.
It is alleged that the victims are detained in safe houses, some of which are located in Kyengera, in Wakiso District. Some victims have reportedly been transported overnight through Katabi Military Barracks to Ssese Islands (Kalangala District), where they are detained incommunicado and tortured.
Gen Tumwine confirmed that the State owns and operates safe houses for purposes of national security.
It’s unconstitutional for suspects to be detained at ungazetted detention centres.
