Uganda: Suspended MPs Released, Summoned At CID Headquarters

Kampala — Police last night released all the 25 MPs who had been arrested after they were suspended by Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, over misconduct.

Kampala Metropolitan police commander, Frank Mwesigwa, confirmed the release of the MPs, some of whom had been detained at Kira Road police station and Kira Division police in Najjera.

He refuted reports that some MPs were still in cells and others reported to have been transferred to Nalufenya, a high profile detention facility in Jinja District.

"We released all the MPs and escorted them to their respective homes. We don't have anyone in our cells," Mr Mwesigwa said.

However, the MPs have been summoned to appear at Kibuli CID headquarters for questioning. Security operatives raided parliament and clobbered a number of MPs who had defied the Speaker's suspension. The legislators were suspended for the next three parliamentary sittings.

The suspended MPs were protesting against the amendment of article 102(b) that bars anyone below 35 or above 75 years from contesting for presidency.

Those suspended, among others; are Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine (Kyaddondo East), MP Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West), Monica Amoding (Kumi District), Dr Sam Lyomoki (Workers) Betty Nambooze (Mukono Municipality) Ibrahim Kasozi (Makindye East) and Moses Kasibante (Rubaga North).

After a standoff in Parliament, security officers dressed in suits stormed the Chambers and forcefully dragged Mr Kyagulanyi and Mr Ssewanyana out.

Ms Angelina Osege, the Soroti District Woman MP who is also the chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, was seriously beaten by the arresting security operatives.

She was carried to one of the waiting ambulances by MPs and other Parliament officials. The ambulance took her to an undisclosed hospital. Mr Francis Zaake (Mityana Municipality), was also seriously injured and taken to hospital.

Other MPs who have reportedly been arrested are Gerald Karuhanga, Odonga Otto (Aruu), Mohammed Nsereko (Kampala Central), Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (Kira Municipality) and Mubarak Munyagwa (Kawempe South).

Mr Charles Angiro Gutumoi (Erute North) collapsed as security operatives forced him out.