{UAH} Otafiire Speaks On Kayihura’s Fate

Otafiire Speaks On Kayihura's Fate

Otafiire: Kirumira was Right on Kayihura

COURTCRIME

By Samuel Kamugisha On Jun 27, 2018

Kahinda Otafiire. Courtesy Photo

 0 2

Share

Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Kahinda Otafiire has spoken out on the fate of detained former police chief Gen Kale Kayihura, praising maverick former Buyende District Police Commander (DPC) Muhammad Kirumira.

Otafiire presided over the Anti-Torture Day celebrations at Old Kampala Secondary School on Tuesday.

The commemoration ran under the theme Rehabilitate torture survivors and bring perpetrators to account. 

The minister said government had resolved that individual officials be held liable for their actions.

"I have agreed with my colleagues in the ministry that if you misuse power, you will be held liable for your sole actions," said Otafiire.

"We shall not allow this practice of hiding behind the Attorney General's back."

He praised Kirumira for his boldness in exposing Kayihura and the rot in Uganda Police.

"The current events indicate that Kirumira was possibly right and I want to thank you for standing up and telling the country what was going on," Otafiire told Kirumira, who also attended the commemoration.

"You have at least given us way to investigate. Keep it up."

Pushed by reporters to explain Kayihura's continued detention, Otafiire said Kayihura's issues should be left to the army court.

"When Gen Kayihura was relieved of his duties as IGP, he did not lose his army status and that is why the court martial, which is constitutionally recognized, will determine his fate because he is a solidier," said Otafiire.

This seems to be the official position on Kayihura's fate.

Even when he was arrested a fortnight ago, the army said he had been summoned by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) because he was a serving UPDF officer.

"His fate is now with the Court Martial and not any other person."

It remains to be seen when the military court will start the trial of Kayihura and what charges they will prefer against the man who was Uganda's police chief for 13 years.

--
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com