Besigye to Kayihura: step down

Dr Kizza Besigye addressing a news conference at his Kasnagati home. Photo by Ramadhan Abbey.

Forum for Democratic Change's (FDC) Dr Kizza Besigye has challenged the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura to step down from his position if he believes in the rule of law.

Following Wednesday's incident where pro-Kayihura supporters besieged Makindye Chief Magistrate's court in an attempt to block his (Kayihura's) private criminal proceedings; Besigye in a news conference on Thursday argued that if the police boss believes in the law, he should step down.

"The private case against Gen. Kyihura is going to define the future of institutionalism and the rule of law in Uganda so as a lawyer, he should resign his position to avoid conflict of interest," Besigye said.

The former presidential candidate justified that since Kayihura is the highest serving officer in a criminal charge that involves arrests, the resignation will make it easy for the police to arrest him and avoid influence peddling in investigations into the matter.

Besigye however hasten to add that he is not out to bay for Kayihura's blood as a call of vengeance but rather highlighting on the right decision to make.

The private criminal proceedings against Kayihura and seven other police commanders were instituted against them over alleged torture of Besigye's supporters last month.

However, on Wednesday, the temple of justice was a beehive of charged activities mooted by hundreds of youthful protesters claiming to be supporting Kayihura with a motive to frustrate the proceedings.

Kayihura didn't appear at the court is expected to show up on August 29.