Police chief Kale Kayihura yesterday addressed the press in the wake of the incident that has left more questions than others. Below are some of the excerpts.
We have seen repeated attacks on security detachments. Should do we say the public has lost fear and respect for state authority?
Kayihura: Let me first clarify that since February elections, we have had only one incident of attack on police stations. There was one in Kapchorwa before the elections and it was a criminal gang. The one in Namayingo District where three guns were stolen was also a criminal gang. Criminality has become more viable. If you want to do investigative journalism, come and we give you information on how armed criminality has become. Criminals will always test the will of the security forces. There is an element of organised crime. The question of whether there is political connotation is a different matter. At this stage, you cannot attribute this incident to a political objective. I cannot dispute but we believe it is just a group of criminals that wanted to obstruct justice because their colleague was due to appear in court today (yesterday).
What exactly was Col Opito doing that led to his arrest?
Kayihura: First of all, there is an ongoing joint police, UPDF operation based on intelligence we got that last week about a group of people who wanted to attack the police and military installations in Kampala. I want to thank the public for giving us this information. This group involved the police and soldiers. The first information we got was connected to a group of youth and veterans that had been gathered in Kyengera in the guise of getting jobs in Somalia. We arrested more than four soldiers, including a captain, and the investigation continued until it reached to Col Dan Opito. He is helping us with investigations. Nobody should read anything beyond that. We don’t want to jump the gun. It was in that context that Col Dan Opito was arrested.
How many have so far have been arrested in connection with rebel links and where are they being detained?
Kayihura: I don’t have the exact figures but I can say they are more than 20. We shall give you the right information because there is nothing to hide.
Is the arrest of Col Opito connected to the arrest of Nakawa MP Micheal Kabaziguruka and Dr Kizza Besigye?
Kayihura: Well, I don’t see any evidence at this stage that connects [the two] to arrest and attack on the police station. If it comes up, then we shall handle as it is.
What about the arrests from West Nile. Are they rebel related?
Kayihura: Police have not made any arrests in West Nile connected to this. However, we can arrest anyone provided we have evidence. The only thing that was there was the abductions in Yumbe District.
There was an issue of Power 10; we would like to know whether these attacks are related to P10?
Kayihura: I am not aware. Don’t speculate. Why does your mind go wild? Otherwise, you may say this is connected to ICC. Always start with the scene of crime. I am helping you without being paid. Power 10 was there, they had their own problems such as chaining themselves. But if you have evidence, you can bring it forward.
There is a group of people from Acholi allegedly dumped in Kasubi by UPDF and people wondering about the motive. What do you have say about that?
Kayihura: I have not got information about this. I welcome you if you have details. However, we shall crosscheck.
The four soldiers and other people were arrested from Kyengera, how did they end up there and where are they being detained?
Kayihura: There were more than four soldiers arrested. They were supposed to be 32 but others ran away. They were mobilised by a captain who we have since arrested. They are being detained everywhere.
What do you have to say the arrest of Nakawa MP Kabaziguruka?
Kayihura: This is not the first time Kabaziguruka has been arrested. He also has a case of terrorism. MPs are also vulnerable to committing crime. For instance, Godi (former Arua Municipality MP) killed his wife and was convicted when he was still a serving MP. Calling Kabaziguruka to assist in investigations is not something that should make news.
Daily Monitor
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