The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has summoned the Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi, and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence boss, Col Abel Kandiho to explain allegations of torture against suspects.
The three had been summoned last week but Gen Kayihura’s absence rendered to session meaningless since he is directly responsible for what happens in Nalufenya detention facility where most suspects have accused the police of torturing them.
This therefore meant that the UHRC had to postpone the session to ensure that Gen Kayihura attends in person.
Our sources indicate that the three security chiefs will today (Tuesday) appear at the UGHRC headquarters on Buganda Road in Kampala.
Sources indicate that although the UHRC as collected information about the torture of suspects especially in Nalufenya and other police facilities, Gen Kayihura, Gen Muhozi and Col Kandiho are required to give a formal account of the torture allegations
The torture
Last month, images photographs of tortured Kamwenge Town Council Mayor, Mr Geoffrey Byamukama, and other suspects detained on allegations of killing former police spokesman, Andrew Felix Kaweesi were awash in the media with human rights activists condemning the acts and calling for investigations.
This was followed by a letter from President Museveni warning security chiefs in charge to desist from the acts of torture.
Other observers were quick to liken President Museveni’s regime with that of former Presidents Idi Amin Dada and Apollo Milton Obote whose regimes were characterized by torture of innocent Ugandans.
So far three police officers have been arrested in connection with the torture of Mr Byamukama who was treated at Nakasero Hospital before he was taken back to the dreaded Nalufenya.
