By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) political party have expressed with concerns over the deepening arrest of individuals at court promises by security operatives which continue to undermine the independence of the Judiciary.
UPC remarks follow a ruthless and brutal arrest of Busiki county member of parliament, Hon. Paul Akamba by masked and plain-clothed gunmen under the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) led by Capt. David Agaba Mahena at court premises after he was granted a Shs13 million cash bail and Shs100 million non-cash bail on graft charges.
The UPC observes that although they do not condon corruption and cover up the corrupt, the manner in which Hon. Akamba and numerous Ugandans have been arrested at court premises is not only inhumane but also downplays the independence of the Judiciary and the country’s over 62 years of independence.
“The events that followed after court granting bail to Hon. Akamba and his subsequent re-arrest outside the courts of law is a regrettable experience, more so at 62 years of Independence. Not only excessive force was used, but it totally undermined the independence of the judiciary!” said UPC spokesperson, Sharon Oyat Arach.
Accordingly, the UPC calls for lawful means of handling offenders and strongly warns the police and military to be mindful when effecting arrests of suspects and convicts, lest they jeopardize the judiciary.
Furthermore, the party resounded its call to action to end corruption which they say undermines the development of the country’s economy.
Corruption should be rigorously fought from all angles without any hesitations, said Arach calling for use of lawful means to fight the vice.
“We need to give priority to corruption cases and dispose them off as quickly as possible […] We need to have respect and integrity towards tax payers’ money and avoid corruption tendencies at expense of the future of Uganda,” UPC marked.
