Former Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura has hailed the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), specifically Makindye Military barracks for treating him with dignity while in detention.
The General’s lawyers, Kampala Associated Advocates revealed that their client was happy that the UPDF has treated him with respect since his arrest on June 13.
According to credible sources at Makindye Military Barracks, General Kayihura has access to books and television.
The General who used to run every morning during his tenure as police chief is said to have a bike for work-out in his 2-room appointment at the barracks.
Days after he was arrested and detained, some people and lawyers demanded for his production in court. However, the General through his lawyers said he believed in the approach and capacity of his colleagues in UPDF to investigate.
“Our client was aware of his rights and what to do to ameliorate that injustice. He knew the complete legal provisions provided in our laws to ameliorate this unlawful detention, because it went well beyond 48 hours,” lawyer Peter Kabatsi who led the defence side told court.
“But after consultation with his legal team, we acceded to his wishes, (not to take action)”.
“He was prepared to endure the indignity and personal discomfort and suffering and allow those responsively for his confinement – the accusers presumably, – to have a run through their pile of falsehoods because he knew that the truth would eventually triumph, but he didn’t think it would take so long,” Kabatsi added.
Defence said their client who has been in military custody for 72 days had several options had he decided to fight his detention, but that he advised his lawyers not to.
The General Court Martial chaired by Gen Gutti has today charged Gen Kayihura with failure to supervise and ensure accountability for the arms and ammunition issued to specialised units under his office; Flying Squad Unit, Specialised Operations Unit, Witness Protection Unit and the Crime Intelligence Directorate of Uganda Police formerly headed by Col Ndahura.
Gen Kayihura has also been charged with aiding and abetting the actions of surbodinate officers, without hindrance, to kidnap and illegally repatriate Rwandan refugees and Ugandan citizens to Rwanda. Listed among the victims is the former bodyguard of President Kagame, Lt Joel Mutabazi, Jackson Karemera alias Ndiga and Sgt Innocent Karisa.
Mutabazi was sentenced to life in prison by a military court in Rwanda in 2014 for alleged involvement in terrorism, forming an armed group and attempting to incite the public against the state.
In 2011 he had fled Rwanda and sought refuge in Uganda citing persecution by the Rwandan government, however, with the help of elements in Uganda’s police, then led by Kayihura, he was kidnapped and repatriated to Rwanda against his will.
Lt Mutabazi was also convicted for murder, illegal possession of a firearm and deserting the military. He was stripped of his military rank.
Gen Kale Kayihura pleaded not guilty to all charges. Bail hearing has been set for 28th August 2018.