Muslim lawyers decry torture of suspects

KAMPALA-Muslim lawyers under their umbrella body, the Uganda Muslim lawyers Association (UMLAS) have decried what they have described as increased torture of suspects especially Muslims by security organs.

Addressing the media at the High Court premises in Kampala on Thursday, Abdul-Hakiim Lubega, the UMLAS chairman implored security organs to desist from the vice saying it undermines the rule of law in the country.

"UMLAS condemns terrorism and other offences committed by people including Muslims.

However, we equally and strongly condemn the relentless attack by Police and its sister agencies in security and intelligence on the increased violation of the rights of suspects who are granted bail or acquitted by court and get re-arrested immediately," Lubega said.

Citing the recent re-arrest of some of the former police spokesperson late Andrew Felix Kaweesi's murder suspects after securing bail last year, Lubega implored security to use proper means in case a suspect has pending charges to avoid violation of their constitutional rights.

UMLAS statement comes at a time when the last batch of Kaweesi murder suspects are slated to regain temporary freedom on  Friday after securing bail on Tuesday.

Anthony Wameli and Isaac Ssemakadde told the media that they have obtained reliable information that security agencies are set to re-arrest the suspects soon after their release.

"We have leant with great shock and sadness that the lawyers, sureties and family members of the suspects were immediately threatened by anonymous security operatives outside the court premises after court granted the suspects bail but we implore them to desist from the unlawful act," Wameli said.

According to Wameli they are also interested in knowing the killers of Kaweesi but it should be done in a proper manner without coercing suspects to admit the charge.

"All Ugandans including us are much interested in knowing Kaweesi killers," Wameli stated.

On Tuesday, High Court judge Lydia Mugambe released on bail eight suspects accused of complicity in the murder of Kaweesi after spending two years on remand without trial.

 Mugambe released each of the accused on a non-cash bail of sh150m while their sureties were bonded at sh250m not cash.

"Considering the long period the applicants have spent on remand without trial, I am inclined to release all of you on bail after presenting substantial sureties in court," Mugambe ruled.

They are Abdul-Rashid Mbaziira, Aramanzani Noordin Higenyi alias Taata Abdullazack, Yusuf Mugerwa alias Wilson, Bruhan Balyejusa alias Jimmy Masiga Ogutu, Joshua Magezi Kyambadde alias Abdu Rahman, Jibril Kalyango alias Abu Aisha, Yusuf Siraje Nyanzi alias Jimmy Ssentamu and Shafik Kasujja. 

The group is part of the 23 suspects that were charged with Kaweesi murder and later committed to the High Court on October 23, 2017 to stand trial.

Their release on bail means that all the suspects in regard to Kaweesi murder are now out on bail as the investigation on the exact killers of Kaweesi goes on.

However, they were further remanded until Friday to enable them furnish in court the necessary documents like the national identity cards required as part of their bail conditions.

Kaweesi was killed in cold blood on March 17, 2017 in the city suburbs of Kulambiro in Nakawa division together with his body guard Kenneth Erau and driver Geoffrey Mambewo.

The charges

Prosecution alleges that the group between January and March 2017 in diverse districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Jinja, Iganga, Bugiri, Busia, Tororo and others still at large for purposes of influencing government involved themselves in complicity of the murder of Kaweesi.

It further alleges that the accused rendered support to known members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), rebel group in executing terrorism acts in the country.

Last year, their co-accused were released on mandatory bail by Nakawa Chief Magistrate's Court pending investigations in their case.

They are Umar Maganda, Ahmed Ssenfuka, Sheikh Musa Ntende, Hassan Tumusiime, Ibrahim Kissa, Hamid Magambo, Abdul-Majid Ojerere, Sauda Ayub, Osman Muhammed Omar, Asuman Mugoya, Ibrahim Ssemwanga alias superman and Swaleh Ddamulira. 

They are slated to appear before Nakawa Court on April 23.