Opposition wants independent inquiry into Ariongo's murder

By Henry Sekanjako

Members of the opposition have called upon government to set up an independent body to probe the murder of assistant inspector of Police John Bosco Ariong to avoid questions regarding the manner in which he died.

This comes when a blame game between government and the opposition continues to mount over Ariong’s death. Either side is accusing the other of being responsible for the police officer’s brutal end.

According to Police, Ariong was killed by a rock hit directly at him on Wednesday during a scuffle between Police and supporters of FDC participating in what police termed as an illegal procession in down town Kampala.

Addressing Journalists on Friday at Parliament, the leader of opposition in Parliament Nandala Mafabi expressed the need for an independent inquiry into the crime to ascertain what exactly caused Ariong’s death.

“The Police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba issued a statement immediately after the incident affirmatively stating that the police officer was killed by a rock thrown by our supporters and that nine suspects have been charged with murder yet it is inconceivable that nine people threw one object that caused Ariongo’s death,” Mafabi stated.

He noted that the only way accusations and questions can be swept out is through carrying out a quick and thorough investigation into Ariong’s death to avoid spitting blame onto each other.

Mafabi highlighted the urgency for an autopsy to ascertain the actual cause of the fallen Policeman.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Dr. Kizza Besigye said the special investigations should be independent of police to avoid conflict of interest.

“The investigations should be done by a neutral body. Police cannot do thorough investigations if the country is to get something that we really need,” Besigye said.

Besigye challenged Police to explain why Ariong was hit by a rock in the head when he is supposed to be equipped with protective gear to guard him against any accidents.

“If Ariong was wearing a helmet he would not be hit, his family must claim for compensation,” Besigye said.

The opposition also distanced itself from the gathering that led to the death of Ariong as one of the Activists for Change (A4C) activitie, saying it was a function for Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

However they regretted Ariong’s death and said they would organize as opposition to pay a courtesy visit to family of the late after his burial.