Gen Muhoozi Apologizes to Parliament for Rearrest of MPs before Conveying Summons

The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi has apologized to Parliament for the delayed transmission of arrest summons for two opposition Legislators who were rearrested after securing court bail.

The two legislators, Allan Ssewanyana and Muhammed Ssegirinya were seen on different occasions rearrested by a joint security task force outside Kigo prison.

The legislator were remanded to Kigo prison on September 8 on six counts of murder, attempted murder and aiding and abetting terrorism.

The manner in which the lawmakers were re-arrest has since raised criticism from section of members of the public as well as opposition Members of Parliament who have today resorted to boycotting Parliament seatings.

In his communication to the House during the Wednesday sitting which was boycotted by Opposition legislators, the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah noted that after adjourning Parliament on Tuesday, he engaged the Deputy Speaker who notified her that new Criminal summons for the legislators had been received by the office of the Speaker.

Upon that background, the Minister of Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi went ahead and updated the house that the legislators were to be aligned before Court for new charges.

However, Lwemiyaga MP, Theodore Sekikubo noted that according to the information by the Speaker, the security officers didn’t allow time for Parliament to convey the summons to the MPs but went ahead and rearrested them.

“Why couldn’t security follow the due process by allowing your office to serve the members with criminal summons before rearresting them. Why arrest and then inform the Speaker,” Ssekikubo demanded.

The Minister informed the House that the due processes will be followed but later apologized for conducting rearrest before sending criminal summons to Parliament.

“Transmission I think was delayed and for that Sir I want to apologize,” Muhoozi apologized.

The Speaker later cautioned security forces for the manner in which they rearrested the MPs which was disrespectful.

“Respect should be given to all citizens of this country, I watched the clip but the way it was done was not good,” Oulanyah noted.