Police chief arrested over evictions
Jul 27, 2009
THE Old Kampala division Police commander, Augustine Kasangaki and an officer from the Police legal unit were yesterday arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Major Gen. Kale Kayihura.
By Eddie Ssejjoba
THE Old Kampala division Police commander, Augustine Kasangaki and an officer from the Police legal unit were yesterday arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Major Gen. Kale Kayihura.
The officers allegedly participated in the demolition of three houses in Mengo-Kisenyi, a Kampala suburb.
Kasangaki and Ronald Magezi, allegedly signed documents on behalf of Kayihura authorising the demolition to go ahead.
Kayihura, who learnt of the evictions from Hajji Yusuf Mukiibi, one of the victims, rushed to the site on Kalittunsi Road in Mengo-Kisenyi at 5:00pm just in time before Magezi could sneak away.
Magezi failed to answer a number of questions from Kayihura, prompting the IGP to order the arrest as the residents cheered on.
Kayihura also ordered the arrest of the officer in charge of Kafumbe-Mukasa Police Post, Bwire and Kampala City Council officials, who participated in the demolition.
He also ordered the arrest of State House officials said to have participated in the demolition.
Addressing residents at the site, Kayihura said he was shocked that Magezi had signed the clearance papers without ascertaining their authenticity and cross-checking the situation on the ground.
“The legal officers are supposed to ensure that all parties are protected and all interests are catered for, not just signing papers, †Kayihura stated.
He explained that the officers would be charged with criminal negligence and being accessories to malicious damage to property.
“The DPC witnessed the demolition without establishing the rightful owners, which he must answer for. Anybody who played a role in this exercise must be arrested. I cannot tolerate impunity, †Kayihura said.
THE Old Kampala division Police commander, Augustine Kasangaki and an officer from the Police legal unit were yesterday arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Major Gen. Kale Kayihura.
The officers allegedly participated in the demolition of three houses in Mengo-Kisenyi, a Kampala suburb.
Kasangaki and Ronald Magezi, allegedly signed documents on behalf of Kayihura authorising the demolition to go ahead.
Kayihura, who learnt of the evictions from Hajji Yusuf Mukiibi, one of the victims, rushed to the site on Kalittunsi Road in Mengo-Kisenyi at 5:00pm just in time before Magezi could sneak away.
Magezi failed to answer a number of questions from Kayihura, prompting the IGP to order the arrest as the residents cheered on.
Kayihura also ordered the arrest of the officer in charge of Kafumbe-Mukasa Police Post, Bwire and Kampala City Council officials, who participated in the demolition.
He also ordered the arrest of State House officials said to have participated in the demolition.
Addressing residents at the site, Kayihura said he was shocked that Magezi had signed the clearance papers without ascertaining their authenticity and cross-checking the situation on the ground.
“The legal officers are supposed to ensure that all parties are protected and all interests are catered for, not just signing papers, †Kayihura stated.
He explained that the officers would be charged with criminal negligence and being accessories to malicious damage to property.
“The DPC witnessed the demolition without establishing the rightful owners, which he must answer for. Anybody who played a role in this exercise must be arrested. I cannot tolerate impunity, †Kayihura said.