KAMPALA – Yusuf Kawooya, the man who was brutally arrested by security operatives near Christ the King in Kampala last Thursday, has been questioned over the stoning of the Presidential convoy in Owino market, downtown Kampala, about two weeks ago, his family has said.
Sharifa Nakitende, Kawooya’s sister, his father and a host of politicians and lawyers were on Tuesday allowed to visit the suspect at the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) headquarters in Kireka, a city suburb, by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence.
After the visit, the group told journalists that Kawooya was tortured and quizzed over ADF activities and stoning of the Presidential convoy in downtown Kampala recently as the President visited traders in markets. Up until now, it had not emerged that the Presidential car had met any form of hostility given the high security that accompanied the visit. ‘
In fact, during the visit about three weeks ago, many people putting on yellow, the colour of the ruling NRM party, were seen clapping, dancing and jubilating over Museveni’s visit.
“He told us he was tortured and he suffered paralysis on one side. His left ear also oozes blood and his cheekbone is swollen. He also said he was quizzed about the stoning of the presidential convoy in Owino,” said Nakitende.
Kawooya’s father expressed shock at the torture inflicted on his son, accusing the security forces of lacking professionalism and being used to settle political scores. Kawooya is a renowned DP member.
Nakawa Division MP Michael Kabaziburuka, who was part of the group that visited Kawooya, asked the army to allow him to go for specialized treatment given the condition he is in.
Nicholas Opiyo, a human rights lawyer, condemned the manner in which Kawooya is being held, insisting that the suspect has been held beyond the hours prescribed by the law. He also said the CMI disciplinary court has no jurisdiction to try such a case, vowing to petition a civilian court and secure an order for his release.
On Saturday, the army’s disciplinary court in Mbuya led by Colonel Tom Kabuye charged the men who brutally arrested Kawooya with abusing the army’s standard operating law procedures while executing the arrest.
They were detained at Makindye Military Barracks. Kawooya’s tormentors have been identified as Daniel Senkungu, Moses Rwamwenge and Omara. Others are only identified as Nickson and Simon all former operatives attached to the Presidential Protection Unit (PPU)