Arua Chaos Report: Suspects Severely Tortured

The Parliament's Adhoc Committee nominated to look into the plight of suspects following their arrest in Arua has cited severe torture and human rights violations.

Five MPs and 30 other people were arrested in Arua after the motorcade of President Museveni was pelted with stones.

 Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi who was reportedly tortured after being arrested is being held at Makindye Military barracks on allegations of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zzake is hospitalized at Rubaga hospital after he was allegedly tortured while MPs Gerald Karuhanga, Paul Mwiru, Kassiano Wadri and former Makindye West MP Michael Mabikke are on remand at Gulu Prison on charges of Treason. 

According to the report that is yet to be presented to the house, the committee led by Defense Chairperson Doreen Amule noted in their report to Parliament that the suspects were severely beaten. She also said that Mwiru, Karuhanga, and Mabikke complained of back and chest pains.

“They stated that they had been brutalized during and after their arrest while in police custody in Arua, and during transportation between the place of arrest and detention at Arua central police station, “ the report says.

The committee says they were informed that the people behind the torture were officers of the Special Forces command-SFC. 

The report notes that of the other 26 suspects, two of the women could neither sit nor stand due to torture. The committee singled out Night Asara, one of the women who was tortured and was bleeding from her private parts.

The report also notes that Kyagulanyi's face was swollen and he was unable to speak, sit or stand.

According to the report, the rights of the suspects were not respected since they were detained for more than the mandatory 48 hours, their next of kin not informed, others denied access to personal doctors and detention in a military barracks which is against the law.

The committee also asked the Speaker to liaise with the President to enable Kyagulanyi is referred to a better medical facility.

It further states that the brutality on journalists is a slip-back in the rule of law, and dents the faith of citizens on the Government. It also wants investigations into the death of Yassin Kawuma and the culprits arrested and prosecuted.

Five MPs who were members of the committee include Medard Ssegona, Atiku Benard, Allan Ssewanyana, Andrew Baryayanga and Jovah Kamateeka signed the report, while  Amule did not sign.