Govt to probe mystery murders says Mbabazi
Nov 07, 2012
The Government is to investigate the mysterious murders and kidnappings that have been happening in different parts of the country, PM Mbabazi says.
By John Odyek and Moses Mulondo
The Government is to investigate the mysterious murders and kidnappings that have been happening in different parts of the country, the Prime Minister has assured MPs.
Amama Mbabazi’s statement was in response to a question raised by Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the leader of the opposition in Parliament, and other MPs on rising cases of murders. Mafabi said the Police and security operatives had failed to apprehend the culprits.
Raphael Magyezi said “vampires” had killed over 10 people in his constituency and no explanations had been given about the phenomenon.
Mbabazi said: “It is true a number of people have been murdered. These have not been limited to only prominent people but also others from all walks of life. The Government is committed to the rule of law.”
Mbabazi said it was not true that any opposition politician had been arrested and charged with trumped up charges. He cited the case of the FDC chairperson for women’s league, Ingrid Turinawe, and other opposition leaders who have been investigated and found to have attempted to overthrow the Government last year.
He said Turinawe and other suspects were taken to court and released on bail.
Mbabazi said a female Police officer, Irene Alinda, was responsible for the arrest of Turinawe and she had regretted the manner in which she arrested her. “For that, we are deeply sorry to Turinawe, her family, her friends and womenfolk,” Mbabazi said.
Abdu Katuntu, the Bugweri County MP, disputed Mbabazi’s statement, saying there were many opposition politicians who have been harassed by the state security operatives.
James Akena, the Lira Municipality MP, said Uganda should be acting like a democratic state where people are free to express themselves. He said some security operatives, including those of the Special Forces, have members who were abusive, crude and disrespectful.
Janet Museveni, the Ruhaama County MP, said the Government had undertaken to investigate all cases of murder and abuse of law and urged MPs to wait for a report from government.
Steven Mukitale, the Buliisa County MP, accused the Police of acting as instruments of terror against the opposition.
He noted that the welfare of the wives of the Police officers was bad as reflected by those that went on strike on Monday.