Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) says that the Government of Uganda should issue a comprehensive statement on the recent Makindye court siege, that saw a large crowd with placards in praise of police chief Gen. Kale Kayihura storm the premises on Wednesday.
The faith based ecumenical organization has through a statement released by their executive secretary, Rev Fr Dr Silvester Arinaitwe, on Friday noted with deep concern the attack perpetrated against the court by what media media has labelled as the ‘Pro‐Kayihura Group’
UJCC says that the government should address the ‘Pro‐Kayihura Group’ incident to take the necessary actions with a view to bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice in accordance with the law.
UJCC has additionally put the Government to task to explain how a rowdy mob supporting the Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, frustrated the scheduled hearing of his criminal case.
“Besides, the mob intimidated and threatened to attack lawyers who were carrying out their duties as officers of the court. They had to be whisked away to safety by Police personnel,” UJCC said.,” urged the Council which consists of the Church of Uganda, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Uganda Orthodox Church.
The Inspector General of Police was summoned by the court last week to answer allegations of torture and other human rights violations against opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye’s supporters and other Ugandans who were beaten by the police.
The protesters who were chanting praises for Gen. Kayihura blocked the road to the Court and also tried to attack lawyers behind the private prosecution of Gen. Kayihura case.
The Council says the intention of the group, based on what was portrayed in several television footages, appeared to have been to disrupt a private criminal prosecution involving Gen. Kayihura, with a view to perverting the course of justice.
UJCC further urges that in-order for Kayihura to demonstrate leadership, humility and professionalism, he should come out and condemn his supporters’ actions and cooperate with judiciary which is handling the case.
The Council noted that the office of the Inspector General of Police is a high profile public office and Kayihura is enjoined by the Constitution to act in accordance with the laws of Uganda, subject to direction that may be given by the President on matters of policy.
The Council also wants Government to re-assure Ugandans, especially members of the legal fraternity who were the main target of the mob, that the incident witnessed in Makindye court on Wednesday will not be repeated and to demonstrate the political will to uphold the rule of law.
