Human rights activists and political leaders have filed a petition to the High Court seeking for immediate release of former Inspector General of Police Gen. Edward Kale Kayihura.
Activist Deusdedit Bwengye, also an FDC supporter contends that the General has been denied his rights as a citizen that is why they have come out to fight for him.
Bwengye said, ‘’The application for an order of habeas corpus that has been filed in high court is to compel the state to produce Gen. Kayihura in court immediately if he has got any case to answer.’’
The petition filed on July 17th, 2018 is against the Chief of Defense Forces Uganda General David Muhoozi, Commanding Officer in Charge of Makindye Military Barracks Col. William Bainomugisha, Director of Public Prosecutions Mike Kibita and the Attorney General of Uganda William Byaruhanga.
Bwengye wants court to order the four high ranking officials to release Kayihura in court to express his freedom.
‘’General Kayihura has been in detention for over 34 days which is not acceptable, for the constitution states that a person once arrested he/she has to be produced in court within 48 hours but the constitution is being violated.’’ Bwengye says.
The activists who claim their actions serve public interest argue the embattled General is not in a position to apply for his release.
Bwengye says, ‘’As an activist I don’t believe in an eye for an eye or tooth for a tooth, though Kale has done so many bad things to us as opposition supporters, we need to fight for his rights.’’
Bwengye believes that, ‘’He (Kayihura) is afraid to apply for his release, as the state will place charges on him on the crimes he committed.’’
Bwengye reveals that filing the application was a struggle because many lawyers refused to be involved. The lawyers told Bwengye that, “This matter is too political and sensitive.’’
Efforts to have the former IGP Kayihura released have been gaining ground. Earlier, a delegation from Kisoro district comprising; political leaders and elders presented a petition in a closed door meeting with Prime Minister of Uganda Ruhakana Rugunda demanding for Kayihura’s immediate release.
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