UGANDA: Govt probes Besigye ‘brutal’ arrest

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Kizza Besigye falls as he is arrested in the capital Kampala APOLLO MUBIRU Government will give a full account of FDC leader, Kizza Besigye’s ‘brutal’ arrest to Parliament after gathering facts. The commitment was made before Parliament by the defense Minister, Crispus Kiyonga and the state Minister for internal affairs, Matia Kasaija. Kiyonga acknowledged that he had been briefed about Besigye’s arrest but asked to be given more time to compile the facts. “We shall give full accountability of Dr. Besigye’s arrest. UPDF being involved in Besigye’s arrest is not so critical to me. Security agents should act where there is a breach of the law and where they have made mistakes, they have been punished,” Kiyonga said. This after Bugweri County MP Abdul Katuntu raised Besigye's arrest as a matter of urgency that required Government’s response. Besigye was arrested this morning at Mulago round about, detained at Kasangati Police station and has this afternoon been arraigned in Court. What MPs say “We are seated here as if nothing has happened. We are pleading with you that this Country belongs to all us. Why do you criminalize our thinking? Why have you turned us into criminals?” Katuntu asked. Lwemiyaga County MP, Theodore Sekikuubo (NRM) said, “Why should security personnel be equipped with hammers? Have we degenerated to the extent that we have turned into a hammer wielding government? That is banditry.” Kasilo County MP, Elijah Okupa (FDC) wondered, “Are there no go areas for Besigye?” Kitgum woman MP Beatrice Anywar who broke down during her submission said, “This is a black day for me. I could not believe what I saw. It was like a film. It hurts to treat us like that yet we are supposed to meet next week for a dialogue.” Buyaga County MP, Benard Tinkasimire (NRM) called for clean competition between government and the opposition. Rubada west MP, Henry Banyenzaki wanted Parliament to pass a resolution condemning the manner in which Besigye was arrested but Speaker, Edward Ssekandi ruled that it was premature for such a motion since Government had not presented a comprehensive report on the matter.

Source: Newvision, Wednesday, 27th April, 2011