DP demand release of Buganda riot suspects

By Darious Magara   

THE Democratic Party (DP) has demanded the immediate release of the 23 Buganda riots suspects jailed at Luzira prison without trial.

The suspects who face treason charges have been on remand since September 2009.

Jude Mbababali the recently appointed DP Public relations manager said the party has given government a one-month ultimatum to start the trial of the case.

He told journalists on Tuesday during the party’s weekly press briefing that government either effects the trial of the case or DP members use violent means to secure their release.

Scenes of Buganda riots. File Photo

“We have used lawful means to ensure that the suspects are tried or granted bail but the government has continued to detain them unconstitutionally,” Mbababali said.  

“We the members of DP shall storm Luzira should the government continue to detain the 23 suspects illegally force the gates open of the prisons to set free the suspects,” he added.

Mbababali who contested against the Vice- President Edward Sekandi for the Bukoto central Parliamentary seat said they cannot allow the people of Buganda to rot in prison.

He said lawyers Medard Ssegona, Elias Lukwago and himself had walked to different government offices over the years while following up the case but in vain.

Police and Mlitary persue rioters: File Photo

On September 09, 2009 Kampala City and the suburbs were shaken by riots sparked off when the government stopped Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II from visiting Kayunga district.

As a result of the then rift between the central government and the Kingdom, 27 people died, about 100 were injured in the riots and about 900 people were arrested.  

Mbababali said the 23 suspects have not only failed to have their case fixed but have no judge. “We ask the chief Justice Benjamin Odoki to attend to this matter before we go violent,” he added.

Police arrest a rioter: File Photo
Mbababali also said the government should fire Electricity companies that were contracted by to manage the sector saying they had mismanaged it. He said ever increasing power tariffs has a negative effect on the entire economy and should be revised.