KAMPALA – Members of Parliament (MPs) on Thursday reacted with consternation after Internal Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo only tabled before the House a list of only 177 missing Ugandans who he said are in detention.
According to Gen Odongo, of these, 43 persons were arrested for participating in the riots, 156 were arrested for possession of military stores and 17 arrested from meetings planning post-election violence, while six persons were released on police bond.
“Today I’m presenting to you a list of 177 names clearly identifying the person, the date when the person was arrested. The place where the person was arrested from, the reason why the person was arrested and the case management history. In summary, there are 43 persons arrested for participating in the riots, 156 found in possession of military stores and 17 arrested from meetings planning post-election violence, six persons were released on police bond,” Gen Odongo told Parliament chaired by Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah on Thursday afternoon.
However, the MPs rejected the list, saying it does not even reflect the actual people missing. Additionally, the statement accompanying the minister’s list also had contradicting figures. While the minister gave list of 177, the final statement at the end bore 222 missing people, meaning he did not account for another 45 people.
However, several Opposition MPs led by Mathias Mpuuga (Masaka Municipality), rejected the names on the minister’s list.
“I have followed the Minister’s list and not even a tenth of what I have on my list have been read. We need to know the whereabouts of these persons,” Mr Mpuuga said, referring to the list issued by NUP party.
Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda demanded that the list be subjected to more scrutiny.
“Hon Jeje should read for us those names one by one, so that we know the reason of arrest and where they are. I’m afraid Parliament is being used as a clearing agent. Let him read one by one as I compare with the list I have,” he said.
Obongi MP Hassan Fungaro called for a commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the abductions of persons by security agencies.
Parliament session is still ongoing.
