Defence minister, Kayihura summoned over rearrested Kaweesi suspects

The Parliament committee on defence and internal affairs has summoned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen. Kale Kayihura and defence minister Adolf Mwesige over an incident where security operatives arrested four Kaweesi murder suspects after they had been granted bail at Nakawa court.

Internal affairs minister, Jeje Odongo, is also expected to appear before the committee today, committee chairperson Judith Nabakooba (Mityana Woman MP) said.

The arrest three weeks ago was condemned by the Democratic Party, human rights activists and judicial officers including the Chief Justice Bart Katureebe who also condemned the security agencies who interfere with the judicial work when magistrates grant suspects bail.

Nabakooba said the committee has summoned the security officials to explain the impasse. 

The move was supported by Lwemiyaga County lawmaker, Theodore Ssekikubo, who wondered why operatives clad in plain cloth frightened motorists and pedestrians when they pounced on  the released suspects at Nakawa.

Ssekikubo said this is a matter of national importance, which calls Parliament to know: "The army owes us an explanation. Other persons may claim to be security operatives and kidnap others," Sekikubo said.

Security operatives in civilian clothes re-arrested Umaru Maganda, Ahmed Senfuka, Ibrahim Lisa and Abdul Musa Ojere as they left the court premises.

These were among the seven suspects granted bail by court. They are facing charges over the murder of former AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi early this year.

However, Police denied any involvement in the arrest, stating that it was carried out by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).

Outgoing Police spokesperson Asan Kasingye while addressing journalists at Naguru Police headquarters, said the suspects were later handed over to Police for further investigations.

He said they were re-arrested in connection with alleged rebel activities connected to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and are currently being detained at Nalufenya in Jinja.