Kayihura refuses to apologise
Jul 01, 2008
POLICE chief Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura yesterday refused to apologise to the Democratic Party (DP) over the raid on their offices by the force on June 7. The Police also said it would hand back the DP office tomorrow instead of today as had been scheduled after party officials said some property was s
By Milton Olupot
POLICE chief Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura yesterday refused to apologise to the Democratic Party (DP) over the raid on their offices by the force on June 7. The Police also said it would hand back the DP office tomorrow instead of today as had been scheduled after party officials said some property was still missing.
The Police took control of the office after stopping the party from holding a rally on June 7. Yesterday, Kayihura with senior Police officers, were taken around the offices by party chief Ssebaana Kizito. Lands Commission boss Jehoash Mayanja Nkangi mediated between the two parties during the exercise.
Kayihura and Kampala central MP and DP lawyer Erias Lukwago exchanged bitter words when the MP demanded that the Police chief apologise for the raid.
Kayihura, after touring the offices, told journalists that the incident was unfortunate.
“I am sorry for what happened. We are now opening up a new chapter where we shall co-exist harmoniously. But the law has to be enforced and we should work together towards achieving this.â€
Lukwago shot back: “The IGP has stated that it was an unfortunate incident. We appreciate that because it is an admission that they did wrong. The Police should know they do not have the right to block people from assemblies. June 7 will remain a black day for DP. The office has since been under occupation by the Police.â€
In response, Kayihura said although Lukwago was a lawyer, he should not mix up issues.
“The incident was because you were holding an illegal rally with sectarian messages blaring through loud speakers. I am sorry that the incident had to occur, yet it could have been avoided by either side.â€
Ssebaana then interjected: “It is high time the Police stopped handling us violently.â€
Ssebaana said DP’s administration had compiled a list of missing items.
Nkangi will present a report before the two parties for agreement.
POLICE chief Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura yesterday refused to apologise to the Democratic Party (DP) over the raid on their offices by the force on June 7. The Police also said it would hand back the DP office tomorrow instead of today as had been scheduled after party officials said some property was still missing.
The Police took control of the office after stopping the party from holding a rally on June 7. Yesterday, Kayihura with senior Police officers, were taken around the offices by party chief Ssebaana Kizito. Lands Commission boss Jehoash Mayanja Nkangi mediated between the two parties during the exercise.
Kayihura and Kampala central MP and DP lawyer Erias Lukwago exchanged bitter words when the MP demanded that the Police chief apologise for the raid.
Kayihura, after touring the offices, told journalists that the incident was unfortunate.
“I am sorry for what happened. We are now opening up a new chapter where we shall co-exist harmoniously. But the law has to be enforced and we should work together towards achieving this.â€
Lukwago shot back: “The IGP has stated that it was an unfortunate incident. We appreciate that because it is an admission that they did wrong. The Police should know they do not have the right to block people from assemblies. June 7 will remain a black day for DP. The office has since been under occupation by the Police.â€
In response, Kayihura said although Lukwago was a lawyer, he should not mix up issues.
“The incident was because you were holding an illegal rally with sectarian messages blaring through loud speakers. I am sorry that the incident had to occur, yet it could have been avoided by either side.â€
Ssebaana then interjected: “It is high time the Police stopped handling us violently.â€
Ssebaana said DP’s administration had compiled a list of missing items.
Nkangi will present a report before the two parties for agreement.