Nakasongola, Luwero Kadhis condemn torture of Katumba suspects

Luwero, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The District Kadhis for Greater Luwero Muslim districts have condemned the killings and torture of suspects accused of participating in the shooting of former Chief of Defense Forces-CDF General Katumba Wamala.

Last month, the assassins killed Katumba’s daughter Brenda Nantongo and driver Haruna Kayondo along Kisota road in Kisaasi in Nakawa division of Kampala district.

Recently, the suspects appeared before Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court with severe wounds on their bodies and are currently under treatment at Kitalya prison.

The suspects are Muhammad Kagugube, Kamada Walusimbi, Siriman Ayuub Kisambira, Abdulaziz Ramathan Dunku and Habib Ramanthan Marjan.

Police also confirmed they shot dead four other suspect during their arrest.

Speaking at Eid Al Adha celebrations at Kigombe mosque, the Luwero District Kadhi Sheikh Ramadhan Mulindwa condemned the torture and the killing of suspects saying its a violation of the right to life which can only be taken away by Allah.

Mulindwa explains that torture of suspects results in fake confessions and these can’t stand in court. Mulindwa added that the killing of suspects may also hamper the government’s effort to arrest all the people named in crimes.

He asked the security personnel to exercise professionalism while arresting and extracting evidence from the suspects.

Sheikh Habib Musa Kikabi, the District Kadhi for Nakasongola asked the government to prosecute security personnel named in any torture acts.

Kikabi also asked the police to refrain from using excessive force while enforcing COVID-19 lockdown.

Uthman Basajjanaku, a resident of Luwero town council says torture and killing suspects raises questions on investigations into the cases.

Basajjanaku said if indeed people are arrested have cases to answer, they must be presented in court and evidence presented before judges for fair hearing rather than executions.

Basajjanaku warns that the security personnel may be held personally responsible if there is a change of government.

According to the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act of 2012, any evidence obtained from suspects through torture is inadmissible in court.

Previously, a group of suspects charged with the murder of the former Police Spokesperson, Andrew Felix Kaweesi got an award of Shillings 80 million each for the torture occasioned against them by the government operatives.

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