Luyiga lists 40 ‘illegal detainees’

Jan 09, 2007

Makerere University councillor Bernard Luyiga has released a list of over 40 suspects who have been detained at the Central Police Station for more than 48 hours without charge. By law, detainees must be charged within 48 hours or released.

By Josephine Maseruka

Makerere University councillor Bernard Luyiga has released a list of over 40 suspects who have been detained at the Central Police Station for more than 48 hours without charge. By law, detainees must be charged within 48 hours or released.

Luyiga told a press conference in Kampala that some of the suspects had been in custody for up to 75 days without appearing in court. He said some of the suspects had money taken from them.

Luyiga stated: “The appaling and unhygienic conditions of the prison cells — and the presence of many Baganda Muslims who are victims of political torture and have languished in custody without trial — are pertinent issues that the Government must explain.”

He added: “This is the highest degree of human rights abuse and I am sending the list to the Uganda Human Rights Commission, all human rights organisations, and to international bodies for action.”

Luyiga is one of the seven Democratic Party supporters who were arrested on Saturday at the Constitutional Square for trying to hold a rally.

The Police spokesperson, Edward Ochom, yesterday refuted Luyiga’s claims calling them “fertile fabrications.” He said he would wish two see Luyiga, a councillor, telling the truth instead of lies.

Ochom (above) said all detainees are searched and their property recorded and kept in stores.

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