Kasese killings: ICC receives MPs' petition

 Kasese Municipality Member of Parliament Centenary Robert (centre) talks to Leader of Opposition Winnie Kizza, (left) while Willaim Nzoghu looks on, during a press conference to brief the media about International criminal Court acknowledging  receipt of a petition about the recent Kasese killings. PHOTO/Kennedy Oryem

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has acknowledged receipt of a petition filed by a section Kasese leaders mainly opposition politicians over Kasese clashes which claimed lives of over 100 people.

According to the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Winfred Kizza, the court will revert with appropriate steps to be taken.

Addressing a news conference in Kampala on Wednesday, Kasese MPs said ICC in a letter signed by the head of information and evidence unit has promised to give the petition consideration.

Kampala Lawyer Samuel Muyizi (second left) talks , while Members of Parliament Winnie Kizza (right) Atkins Katusabe (third left) and Willfred  Niwagaba looks on, duirng a press conference where they announced that the International Criminal Court had acknowledged reciept of a petition about the recent Kasese operation. PHOTO/Kennedy Oryema

According to the MPs, ICC will inform them when it takes a decision on whether to investigate the matter or not.

However, Government spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo, said they are not threatened by anybody who seeks to drag it or any of its senior officers to any court in the world.

"When we are informed formally, we shall respond appropriately," Opondo said.

In a petition filed last month, MPs accused President Yoweri Museveni in his capacity as the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, senior Police officer Asuman Mugenyi and Brigadier Peter Elwelu of crimes which include genocide, crimes against humanity and violations of human rights among others.

The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Frank Tumwebaze, commenting on the matter stated: "Running to ICC is just political posturing by those political actors who are desperate to cover up the perpetrators of the rwenzururu sponsored criminality. That will not divert the efforts of govt to bring to book the perpetrators/authors of that senseless rebellion."

"If there is anybody to go to ICC, it's those who started the war and killed innocent people. ICC is never there to protect criminals. It's there to fight them," he added.