NRM activists dare Kiyingi on terrorism charges

By Moses Walubiri & Josephine Ganyana

A section of supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have challenged Dr. Aggrey Kiyingi to consider clearing his name over charges of terrorism in Ugandan courts instead of "crying wolf" from the comfort of his home in Australia.

An eminent cardiologist with dual Ugandan and Australian nationality, Dr. Kiyingi was recently linked to the murder of two Muslim Sheikhs - Sheikh Mustafah Bahiga and Sheikh Abdul Kadri Muwaya – with the aim of spawning antipathy towards government.

It's alleged that Dr.Kiyingi through his Federal Alliance rebel group recruited and offered logistical support to former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels to hire the hit men that killed the two sheikhs.

"Let Kiyingi come back and answer charges against him in court," Kintu Nyago, Uganda's Deputy Ambassador to the UN on Monday told the press at the Media Centre.

Nyago, together with NRM activist, Katenda Lutu and Mukono district chairperson, Lukoya Mukome, had earlier, without mentioning names, decried the tendency of politicians recruiting vulnerable unemployed youths into acts of terrorism.

"We condemn all acts of terrorism. Political grievances should be articulated in a civil manner because the days of resorting to violence to capture state power are truly over," Nyago said.

Nyago said the recent spate of killing of Muslim sheikhs is a manifestation of terrorism and not murder as has been reported in the media.

"Muslim wrangles in this country are not a new phenomenon. It has been the case since independence but Muslims have never killed each other," Nyago said, linking the recent killings to ADF chief, Jamil Mukulu.

Mukome said many Ugandans, especially the younger ones, are only concerned about getting gainful employment and accessing good services, not getting lured into acts of terrorism.

"These are the things that young people graduating from universities are thinking about. How to live a good life. You cannot base in Europe or America and you think that you understand the needs of Ugandans," Mukome said.

When asked whether charges of terrorism against Kiyingi are not a ploy to scuttle his alleged presidential bid, Nyago was reticent, although he knocked back insinuations of government using state machinery to hound its opponents.

"The threat of terrorism is real. I know of my neighbor's children currently in Luzira prison over terror related charges," Nyago said.

A day after Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura, revealed that government could seek the help of Interpol to extradite Kiyingi over accusations of bankrolling acts of terrorism; Kiyingi described accusations against him as trumped up.

Kiyingi avers that Federal Alliance is a legitimate political party, and not a rebel group as alleged by government.

In an interview with Saturday Vision last week, Kiyingi said he will "not be intimidated," vowing to come back to Uganda.

"I am still studying the security situation, but hopefully, in June, I will be Kampala," Kiyingi said.

In 2006, Kiyingi was acquitted of murdering his wife, Robinah Kiyingi.