AG rebukes alleged coup plotter's sh500m demand

The Attorney General (AG) has rebuked a man demanding sh500m over purported torture and illegal detention by state security operatives. 

The AG's stand is contained in his defence, filed on February 20 at the civil division of the High Court in Kampala. 

Government's chief legal representative and adviser slammed Sulaiman Mukiibi, saying state security operatives acted appropriately when they arrested him over a suspected coup plot. 

"The defendant (AG) denies the contents of paragraph 4 (of the suit) and shall contend that the agents of the defendant acted within their mandate and in accordance with all the relevant laws," the defence reads in part. 

"In the alternative but without prejudice to the foregoing, the defendant shall prove that the suit is frivolous, vexatious and ought to be dismissed with costs," he added.

The case file has been allocated to Justice Henrietta Wolayo. However, a hearing date is yet to be fixed. 

Background 

On February 7, Mukiibi sued the AG through Odokel, Opolot & Company Advocates, seeking a pronouncement that his arrest on January 15, 2012, was illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional. 

Mukiibi claims he was tortured and told to disclose hidden guns for subversive activities. He says he was also branded a member of a rebel group. 

He purports that he was detained for two months at an ungazetted facility. Mukiibi also claims he was detained for three months at the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), without being charged in court. 

The complainant also purports he was detained for two weeks at Kireka Police Station, without being charged. Mukiibi says he was detained at Luzira Prison without being produced in court. 

He claims to have been robbed of sh250,000, a wallet, mobile phone and a driving permit. 

The complainant asserts that his woes started on January 15, 2012, when he was unexpectedly arrested by Police officers at about 2:30pm in the city suburb of Kalerwe. 

Mukiibi claims he was not informed of the reason for the arrest, neither did the Police possess an arrest warrant.

He purports to have been blindfolded, handcuffed and placed in a safe house. Mukiibi says he was denied access to family, starved and denied medical attention.

Mukiibi alleges his misery was used as a bargaining chip to confess, in exchange for freedom, and stabbed with a knife during intense interrogation.

He says after a week in Luzira Prison, he was taken to Buganda Road Court for plea taking. 

Court documents show that the case at Buganda Road Court, was dismissed on December 15, 20014, after it had stalled for eight months, when prosecution failed to adduce any evidence. 

Mukiibi claims he is now destitute and cannot execute his duties as a driver. ​