Opposition Members of Parliament have asked the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga to explain the circumstances surrounding the arrest of their colleague Michael Kabaziguruka.
The MPs also demanded that government releases opposition icon Dr Warren Kiiza Besigye, who is currently remanded in Luzira prison on charges of treason.
Contributing to debate during the vetting of Ministers earlier today, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Parliament Winnie Kiiza said there was growing concern over the indiscriminate arrests by security personnel taking place in the country, including the arrest of Dr Besigye and Mr Kabaziguruka, the MP for Nakawa.
According to the LOP, Mr Kabaziguruka was arrested without serving the Speaker with the summons, which flouts the law.
Elijah Okupa, the Kasilo MP also weighed in and demanded that Mr Kabaziguruka be produced before court, if he has any charges to answer to.
“We demand that if there is a case, let the Hon. Kabaziguruka be produced in court,” Mr Okupa charged.
Mr Kabaziguruka was arrested two days ago and taken to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) at Kireka for interrogation and, while addressing the media yesterday, police Chief General Kale Kayihura said they had gotten intelligence information linking the MP to some people involved in subversive activities.
In response Speaker Kadaga promised to follow up the matter, saying: “I will handle this with the Vice President and ensure that our colleague is handled appropriately.”
Meanwhile, the expanded Parliament has left MPs without seats, prompting Ms Kadaga to ask them to be innovative and kwesikamu like in ‘matatus so those standing can find sitting space’.
As a result of increasing constituencies the 10th Parliament has 458 MPs, up from 375 that graced the 9th Parliament, leaving the backbenchers scrambling for seats.
