Sejusa will not appear before MPs, says probe is flawed

Mary Karugaba and Umaru Kashaka

Exiled Army MP Gen. David Sejusa has withdrawn his request to appear before the House Rules, Privileges
and Discipline Committee from his base in UK.

Through his lawyers led by Ladislaus Rwakafuzi, Ssejusa said he will not testify before the committee because he believes the “the process is flawed.”

 Sejusa, who is also the co-ordinator of military intelligence, also argued that “the executive is exerting undue pressure to the Speaker contrary to the constitution.”

 “We have been instructed by our client to inform you that he will not appear before the committee because he believes the process is flawed,” Rwakafuzi said in a letter to the committee.

On Tuesday, Sejusa’s lawyers requested the committee to have their client testify through Skype or video conference from his base in UK. Skype is communication through internet.

They said Sejusa could not physically appear before the committee due to security reasons.

 “We have been asked by our client (Sejusa) to convey his regards to the committee and tell you that because of security reasons he will not be able to physically appear but has requested the committee to allow him testify through either Skype or video-conference, whichever way the committee prefers,” Joseph Luzige said.

Luzige asked the committee to postpone the meeting to Thursday (today) to enable Sejusa document his evidence and submit it to the committee and also give time to the committee to decide on his request.

“The Gen. fears for his life. He thinks his safety is not guaranteed here because all those who worked under him have been either detained or dismissed. His offices have been closed,” Luzige told the committee chaired by Fox Odoi.

Ssejusa’s trouble began when the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga directed the Rules and Disciplinary Committee to investigate Sejusa’s behavior and continued absence in the House.

Kadaga on Sept 16 communicated to Parliament about his continued absence from the sittings of Parliament and informed the House that she had written to him directing him to attend the subsequent sitting.