Zaake to sue government for torture, labels charges against him ‘bogus’

Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament Francis Butebi Zaake, has labeled bogus, the charges levelled against him by government and vowed to instead sue for being tortured.

The legislator made the statements while appearing at the CID Headquarters in Kibuli where he had been summoned prior.

Zaake who was in company of his lawyers and some opposition politicians said he had come to make a statement about the treason case and his alleged escape from custody.

“Those are all stupid charges; I call them bogus charges. However, I am also here to find out many things; Why they tortured me, why they beat me to this extent that I can not even walk and I am having issues with my neck,” he said.

Zaake said that his only crime was being the hotel, where they got him and clobbered him aimlessly, only to wake up in Lubaga hospital.

“They tortured me so much, that is why I am the only one they haven’t taken to court, but as they plan to take me to court, they should know that I am also taking them because I know them,” he added.

Police in September slapped treason charges and escape from lawful custody against Zaake but was later released on bond and cleared to travel abroad for further medical attention after being allegedly beaten by security officers during the fracas during and after the Arua Municipality by-election.

A group of 33 people including Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi, Kassiano Wadri, Paul Mwiru, Gerald Karuhanga and Mike Mabikke among others were charged with treason for throwing stones at the presidential convoy with an intent to harm him by the Gulu Chief Magistrates Court before being granted bail.

Unlike his co-accused, Zaake has never appeared in court to answer the charges due to his medical condition.

According to CID director AIGP Grace Akullo, police will be guided on the next course of action once he appeared at CID for questioning.