Prime
Otafiire lauds Kirumira for exposing police
Minister of Justice and Constitutional affairsMr. Kahinda Otafiire speaking at the world torture day celebrations at Old Kampala Secondary School on Tuesday (26 JUNE). PHOTO BY KELVIN ATUHAIRE
What you need to know:
- The day was marked under the theme “Rehabilitate torture survivors and bring perpetrators to account”.
- Mr Fred Baguma, the chairperson of torture victims, challenged government to implement the Anti-Torture Act to mitigate the vice which he said has resulted in loss of lives.
Kampala. The Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, yesterday praised former Buyende District police commander for blowing the whistle about the illegal operations of police, saying it will help government with investigations.
“The current events indicate that [Muhammad] Kirumira was possibly right and I want to thank you for standing up and telling the country what was going on. You have at least given us way to investigate. Keep it up,” Gen Otafiire said, drawing cheers from the audience.
He was speaking as a guest of honour during the commemoration of the Anti-Torture Day at Old Kampala Secondary School yesterday.
The day was marked under the theme “Rehabilitate torture survivors and bring perpetrators to account”.
Mr Fred Baguma, the chairperson of torture victims, challenged government to implement the Anti-Torture Act to mitigate the vice which he said has resulted in loss of lives.
Gen Otafiire accused security officials of using torture against suspects to force them to make confessions.
Former Buyende District police commander Muhammad Kirumra addressing journalists at the world torture day celebrations at Old Kampala Secondary School on Tuesday (JUNE 26). PHOTO BY KELVIN ATUHAIRE
On torture suspects
He said security officials who torture suspects should not expect to hide behind the Attorney General’s back for defence.
“I have agreed with my colleagues in the ministry that if you misuse power, you will be held liable for your sole actions. We shall not allow this practice of hiding behind the Attorney General’s back,” Gen Otafiire said.
When journalists inquired from him about the status of Gen Kale Kayihura, shortly after the event, he said the former Inspector General of Police will be subjected to military law because he is still a serving army official.
“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 recognised, will determine his fate because he is a solidier. His fate is now with the Court Martial and not any other person,” Gen Otafiire said.
Gen Kayihura is being detained at Makindye Army Barracks.
