The former Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, could have his cases dropped by court martial should President Yoweri Museveni succeed in persuading military prosecutors.
Museveni, who was campaigning in Kisoro District which is the home of Gen Kayihura, was tasked by locals to forgive their son who is facing among other charges giving guns to civilians’ groups.
One of the groups Gen Kayihura is accused of giving guns was Boda-Boda 2010 whose patron was, Abdullah Kitatta. Kitatta was arrested, charged and sentenced to three years for illegally being in possession of guns. He was later released after serving his sentence.
Kisoro residents said Gen Kayihura was the master planner for National Resistance Movement –NRM in greater Kigezi region and keeping him outside Kisoro could affect the party’s performance in next week’s presidential elections.
Gen Kayihura was incarcerated in Makindye Military barracks for 75 days without trial. He was later stood surety by Maj Gen James Mugira and Maj Gen Sam Kavuma. As part of his bail conditions, Gen Kayihura was directed never to go beyond Kampala and Wakiso districts. And if he should, he must seek permission from CDF Gen David Muhoozi or General Court Martial.
Museveni promised to speak to Army prosecutors to consider dropping charges against Gen Kayihura. The President said he will not merely speak to Army prosecutors but he will take it upon himself to ensure charges are dropped.
Gen Kayihura was sacked from the position of IGP by Museveni on March 4, 2018. He was replaced by his deputy Martin Ochola. However, Museveni said police during Gen Kayihura’s reign was infiltrated by criminals.
To prove his words of cleaning police force, Museveni ordered deputy Chief of Defence Forces –CDF Lt Gen Wilson Mbadi, to lead a team that arrested Gen Kayihura. The four-star General was subsequently arrested from his Kashagama home in Lyantonde District.
Not only Gen Kayihura was arrested but even his blue eyed boys who included ACP Herbert Muhangi, who was commander Flying Squad, SSP Richard Ndaboine, who was commander Cyber Unit, SSP Nickson Agasirwe, who was commander Special Operations Unit, SCP Joel Aguma, who was commander police Professional Standards Unit and Col Ndaula Atwooki, who was commander Crime Intelligence Unit.
Museveni has since promoted Maj Gen Mugira and Maj Gen Kavuma to Lt Gen which is Uganda’s second highest rank. Although Kayihura is temporarily a freeman, he was restricted from moving out of the country. He was last sanctioned by United States of America –USA on allegations of corruption and abuse of human rights when he was overall police chief.
During reigns of Gen Kayihura, police force was always on the spot over brutality and torturing of suspects at Nalufenya in Jinja District and at Special Investigations Unit –SIU in Kireka, Wakiso district.