KAMPALA– Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda has called for accountability from the government regarding the kidnapping of 36 Forum for Democratic Change members in Kenya.
Hon Nganda challenged the government to explain the legal arrangement that allowed them to enter Kenya and abduct Ugandans who had legally entered the country for personal reasons like attending leadership workshops and one on asylum.
The Legislator raised the matter in Parliament, chaired by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, alleging that security forces who abducted the FDC supporters from Kenya tortured and beat them, violating their human rights.
The 36 FDC members were picked up from a church in Kenya and paraded before a Ugandan court on allegations of terrorism.
Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona argued that the concerns raised by Ssemujju should be addressed by the Minister of Internal Affairs or the Minister of Defense, as they pertain to extradition.
In response, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka advised Ssemujju to file a defense in court for the suspects to either be released or granted bail.
“If there are issues with the way the individuals were arrested, they should be addressed in court where the charges are being heard” said Attorney General Kiwanuka.
Their demand for clarity comes at the time when the arrested Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members belonging to the Katonga faction have been remanded to Luzira prison on charges of terrorism.
Prosecution says between July 22nd and 23rd, 2024, the suspects travelled from various parts of Uganda to Kisumu for purposes of providing or receiving terrorism training. They were apprehended by Kenyan authorities and deported to Uganda where they have been arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court of Nakawa, Kampala.
They were however prevented by Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza from pleading to the capital offence of terrorism which is triable by the High court’s International Crimes Division.
They were then remanded to Luzira prison until August 13th after state prosecutor Richard Birivumbuka informed court that police investigations were still on-going.
