DP wants Kayihura investigated over police brutality

The Democratic Party (DP) has asked Parliament to institute an independent commission to interrogate the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura over police brutality.

Speaking during the party's weekly press briefing, DP publicist secretary Kenneth Kakande accused Kayihura of hiring goons to beat up former FDC presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye's supporters, adding that he also recruits goons in police uniform that are always seen on police vehicles to beat up civilians.

"DP demands that a well constituted inquest be embarked on as far as the activities of beating up nationals are concerned," he said.

He said the reason they want an independent body is because he is the head of the Police and the Police disciplinary department will not interrogate its boss.

DP also wants other reports of Police working with criminals to terrorize citizens to be part of the inquest.

They also demand that all those found guilty should be discharged from the police with disgrace and those who were injured in any way during the undertakings be adequately compensated. 

On Monday, five police officers and one crime preventer were charged for assaulting Besigye's supporters at Police headquarters in Naguru.

DP's Kenneth Paul Kakande addresses journalists at the party headquarters in Kampala flanked by Bunyoro NEC member Godwin Angalia (L) and Paul Ssebinja the Deputy Youth Secretary. Photo by Miriam Namutebi

On July 12 and 13, the five suspects who include; Willy Kalyango, 25, Sula Kato, 43, Deneth Muhangi, 38, Moses Wamala, 33, Robert Wanjala, 37, all police constables and Dan Tandeka, 36, a crime preventer used excessive force to disperse Besigye's supporters.

A day after the incident, Kayihura said the Police command had authorized the beating because use of tear gas, rubber bullets and bullets have been eliminated, with only two options remaining; the use of water cannons or baton charge.