The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has denounced the government over the detention of three Members of Parliament (MPs) affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP) party.
Hon. Hassan Kirumira (Katikamu County South), Hon. Charles Tebandeke (Bbale County), and Hon. Francis Zaake (Mityana Municipality), along with several NUP members, were apprehended on Monday, 22 July 2024.
They were detained on charges of holding an unlawful assembly.
Ssenyonyi, who addressed the issue during the plenary session on Tuesday, 23 July 2024, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, stated that the arrest was unjustified as the MPs were en route to the NUP party headquarters in Makerere, Kavule, to attend a weekly press briefing.
“It would be beneficial for the government to explain the apparent double standards, as several other political groups continue their activities without such interference,” Ssenyonyi remarked.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanjja clarified that the MPs were arrested in line with Articles 23 and 4(b) of the constitution; protection of personal liberty and restraint, upon reasonable suspicion, respectively.
“The government is responsible for ensuring the security of individuals and their property. It is under this mandate that some of our colleagues are detained. They will undergo the legal process and if found innocent, they will be released,” Nabbanja explained.
Hon. Gorreth Namugga (NUP, Mawogola County South) countered that the substantial police presence at the NUP party headquarters should have been used to maintain peace and allow the press briefing to proceed. “I was mistreated; while I concur with the Prime Minister’s statement that the Police detected a crime, they could have utilized the same force to maintain peace. You could have guided us appropriately and kept us in the house,” Namugga argued.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka advised that commenting on ongoing court matters is sub-judice and detrimental to the suspects.
“Although the opposition may view everything with suspicion, let us hold the Police accountable but allow them to perform their duties,” he said.
