Ex-Police Boss, Muhangi Re-arrested Moments After Being Released on Bail

Former commander of the Police Flying Squad Unit, ACP Herbert Muhangi, could not enjoy his temporary freedom after officers said to be from the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) re-arrested him on Tuesday shortly after he was released on bail.

Muhangi was first arrested by CMIi n June last year and charged before the court martial with aiding and abetting kidnap and repatriation of Rwandan refugees back to Rwanda against their own will.

He is accused alongside former Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, former Director of Crime Intelligence in Police, Col Atwooki Ndahura, SSP Nixon Agasirwe and others.

Kayihura and Atwooki were a couple of weeks back, released on bail.

On Tuesday, the court martial presided over by Lt Gen Andrew Gutti released Muhangi on a non-cash bail of 10 million shillings. His sureties were also bonded at 5 million shillings non-cash.

As one of his bail conditions, Muhangi’s movements were restricted to Kampala and Wakiso districts.

However, security officers picked him outside the court in Makindye and forced him onto a waiting military pickup and drove him to a place yet to be identified.

When contacted on Muhangi’s whereabouts, UPDF Deputy Spokesperson, Lt Col Deo Akiiki only confirmed his arrest by “security” and referred us to the army spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire for further details.

Prosecution alleges that between the year 2012 and 2016, by omission and commission, the group aided and abetted the actions of subordinate police officers and others on various occasions without hindrance to kidnap and illegally repatriate Rwandan exiles, refugees and Ugandan citizens to Rwanda.

The victims include Lt. Joel Mutabazi, a former bodyguard of the Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Jackson Karemera and Sgt. Innocent Karisa.

Muhangi lost his Senior position as commander of the Police Flying Squad in June last year, following a reshuffle by IGP Okoth Ochola.

His time at the helm of the Flying Squad was characterized by several accusations against him and the uncouth dealings of the Unit.

He was at the receiving end of allegations of corruption, torture while operatives of the Unit, previously mandated to curb sophisticated crime were accused of conniving with criminals.