Pro-Kayihura court raid: UJCC demands answers

PIC: The supporters of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kale Kayihura protest at Makindye Magistrates Court. Photos/ Miriam Namutebi.

Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) has put the Government to task to explain how a rowdy mob supporting the Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, frustrated the scheduled hearing of his criminal case.

"UJCC wishes to urge the Government of Uganda to issue a comprehensive statement on court attack, to take the necessary actions with a view to bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice in accordance with the law," urged the Council.

In a statement released by UJCC executive secretary, Rev Fr Dr Silvester Arinaitwe, on Friday, UJCC noted with deep concern the attack perpetrated against the court on Wednesday by people who have been labelled by the media as 'Pro‐Kayihura Group'

Gen Kayihura was expected to appear in Makindye court on Wednesday to plead to torture charges that arose from the Police's brutal beating of supporters of former presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye last month.

 
The Council said the intention of the group, based on what was portrayed in several television footages, appeared to have been to disrupt a private criminal prosecution involving Gen. Kayihura, with a view to perverting the course of justice.

"Besides, the mob intimidated and threatened to attack lawyers who were carrying out their duties as officers of the court. They had to be whisked away to safety by Police personnel," UJCC said.

The Council noted that the office of the Inspector General of Police is a high profile public office and Kayihura is enjoined by the Constitution to act in accordance with the laws of Uganda, subject to direction that may be given by the President on matters of policy.

"As custodians of law and order in the country, members of the Uganda Police Force are expected to exhibit the highest degree of professionalism in the execution of their duties," the statement said.

It stated that in the Makindye court incident, the Police had the obligation to demonstrate professionalism by effectively securing to prevent the mob from invading court premises and threatening judicial staff, lawyers and other Ugandans who were lawfully in the court at that material time.

"UJCC wishes to underscore the fact that the independence of the Judiciary must be respected by all persons irrespective of their status in society and by all organs of the government," UJCC said.

The Council also wants Government to re-assure Ugandans, especially members of the legal fraternity who were the main target of the mob, that the incident witnessed in Makindye court on Wednesday will not be repeated and to demonstrate the political will to uphold the rule of law.

"By, inter alia, ensuring that any public officer who is required in court of law to answer a charge relating to a criminal offence is surrendered to court so that the law can take its course," the statement added.

In the same vein, UJCC urged Kayihura to demonstrate leadership, humility and professionalism by condemning his supporters' actions and cooperating with judiciary which is handling the case.

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