KAMPALA – The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has called for the sacking of Uganda’s ambassador to Burundi, Maj Gen Matayo Kyaligonza, following the Sunday incident in which he and his bodyguards were caught on camera assaulting a female police officer.
The FDC party spokesperson, Mr Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, said Maj Gen Kyaligonza cannot be an ambassador when he disobeys the law.
“Our demand as a party is that Kyaligonza can continue being the NRM chairman for western Uganda, but it is unacceptable that he continues holding the portfolio of Uganda’s ambassador to Burundi and that is how we are going to be imaged. Diplomacy is all about good conduct. He should be sacked or he resigns. How do you represent a country when you are on the road beating women,” Mr Ssemujju told journalists on Monday at the party headquarters in Najjanakumbi, a city suburb.
“We have witnessed a number of similar incidences who have publically displayed this impunity by the senior officials and they have instead been applauded while others promoted. This must stop,” he added.
The incident, which took place in Seeta, Mukono Town on Sunday, has drawn public condemnation. The UPDF spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire, apologised for the incident and the two military police guards caught in the assault video were arrested.
“We have been informed of the incident involving a police traffic sergeant and UPDF Military Police soldiers. It is very regrettable and apologies to our police sister. UPDF and UPF [Uganda Police Force] are establishing the facts. Findings will guide action to be taken,” Brig Karemire said.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said they would summon Maj Gen Kyaligonza to record a statement over the matter.
“The police leadership has cause for the summoning of H.E. The Ambassador Major General (rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on probable charges of assault and wrongful obstruction of an officer on duty,” Mr Enanga said on Monday.
