[UAH] Sejusa asks Kadaga for 3 months
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5:57 PM |
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Gen David Tinyefuza (R) having a light moment with Mike Mukula
Sejusa, an army representative in Parliament, wrote to Kadaga through his lawyers on May 20, saying that he needs more time to complete his unfinished business in London. His initial three-week leave expired on May 19.
Sejusa caused a storm by writing a letter to the ISO Director General, Col Ronnie Balya, asking him to investigate allegations of a plot to assassinate government officials perceived to be opposed to a possible Brig Muhoozi Kainerugaba presidency. Muhoozi, head of the Special Forces Command, is President Museveni's son.
The controversial letter, first published in Daily Monitor, has since resulted in the closure of the newspaper, as well as its two radio stations. Red Pepper, another daily, and two of its sister publications, have also been closed since Monday, over the same issue.
Through Joseph Luzige, his lawyer, Sejusa now says he wants three more months "to complete his official duties."
Analysts believe he is either buying time to assess the situation before deciding to return, or has already made up his mind to stay away in exile.
"He has also instructed us to inform you that, as a Member of Parliament, he owes you and the House an explanation as to what is going on, particularly what is written in the press; however, that he shall at an appropriate time either before or after his return explain to you and the house in detail his side of the story," said the letter to Kadaga, a copy of which The Observer has seen.
No secret talks
Commenting on The Observer story of Wednesday (UPDF now seeks to unseat MP Sejusa), Sejusa denied any contact with government agents. Sources had told this newspaper that major generals Kahinda Otafiire, Jim Muhwezi and former minister Matthew Rukikaire were tasked by government to speak to Sejusa.
"At the moment there is no discussion, and government should instead save this money for intended emissaries to import more medicines in the hospitals because I'm not negotiating my return, and if this need arises, I can only channel it through my lawyers in Uganda which I have not," Sejusa said.
"These [negotiation reports] are false as there is nothing to negotiate about. Negotiate about the law? Negotiate that I'm not a criminal who is being treated as such? In any case, how can you impose negotiations? They should be mutual in that it is not one side dictating," Sejusa said.
Asked what exactly is the nature of the parliamentary assignment that is still keeping him in UK and to clarify on the exact date of his return, Sejusa, through an e-mail, promised to make a detailed statement in the near future.
Asked why he wrote the controversial letter, Sejusa said: "As Coordinator of Intelligence Services, what do you do when information of a serious nature that impacts on national security comes on your desk? You investigate it. Or if there are other competent bodies that can do such work, you task them to do so. That is what I did."
Meanwhile, Sejusa's lawyers have secured the release of Francis Matovu alias Bbutto, Dan Matovu and Allan Kitonsa, who were charged over Sejusa's posters before Grade One Magistrate John Francis Wekesa. They were granted Shs 5m (not cash) bail and June 5, 2013 was set as the hearing date of their case.
The same lawyers yesterday secured an order requiring prison authorities at Kigo prison to produce Sejusa's four aides in court on May 30, 2013. The four men, who have been detained for more than the constitutional 48 hours, are: James Nayebare, Moses Niwagaba, Frank Ninsiima, and Abbey Twinamasiko.--
H.OGWAPITI
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