Human Rights Commission wants quick trials
Sep 16, 2009
THE Uganda Human Rights Commission chairman, Medi Kaggwa, has called for an expeditious trial of suspected rioters arrested during the three-day city unrest last week.
By Conan Businge
THE Uganda Human Rights Commission chairman, Medi Kaggwa, has called for an expeditious trial of suspected rioters arrested during the three-day city unrest last week.
Of the 550 arrested, only 247 have so far been charged. Addressing a press conference in Kampala yesterday, Kaggwa said the suspects were entitled to a fair hearing in the legally prescribed time.
The Constitution entitles all people to a fair, speedy and public hearing before an independent and impartial court or tribunal, he said. Kaggwa also condemned the killings, looting, maiming and the destruction of property that happened during the riot, adding that many non-uniformed people wielded guns.
“If there are illegal guns in the city, we need to be informed. It puts people’s lives at risk,†he said. Earlier this week, the Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura, said civilians had guns during the riot.
THE Uganda Human Rights Commission chairman, Medi Kaggwa, has called for an expeditious trial of suspected rioters arrested during the three-day city unrest last week.
Of the 550 arrested, only 247 have so far been charged. Addressing a press conference in Kampala yesterday, Kaggwa said the suspects were entitled to a fair hearing in the legally prescribed time.
The Constitution entitles all people to a fair, speedy and public hearing before an independent and impartial court or tribunal, he said. Kaggwa also condemned the killings, looting, maiming and the destruction of property that happened during the riot, adding that many non-uniformed people wielded guns.
“If there are illegal guns in the city, we need to be informed. It puts people’s lives at risk,†he said. Earlier this week, the Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura, said civilians had guns during the riot.