Police apprehended three Members of Parliament (MPs) following a day of questioning at the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) headquarters in Kibuli, a suburb of Kampala.
The detained MPs include Yusuf Mutembuli representing Bunyole East in Butaleja District, Paul Akamba representing Busiki constituency in Namutumba, and Cissy Namujju, the district woman representative for Lwengo. All three belong to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Brandon Kintu, the party’s caucus spokesman, stated that the NRM currently has no official stance on the arrests, asserting that the law should proceed as required.
The specifics of the charges against the MPs remain undisclosed. It’s unclear whether they are considered suspects or potential witnesses in the investigation. Parliament spokesperson Chris Obore indicated that police typically inform the Speaker of Parliament before summoning MPs for questioning, ensuring procedural adherence.
Mariam Naigaga, the district woman representative for Namutumba, and Maurice Henry Kibalya from Bugabula South, visited Kira Police Division, where the detained MP Akamba hails from. They refrained from commenting to the press, leaving their intentions unclear.
The investigation revolves around allegations of corruption in budget processing. President Museveni recently highlighted evidence of a corruption racket within government circles, prompting the probe. However, there is currently no evidence linking the detained MPs to any wrongdoing.
The detained legislators underwent interrogation for approximately five hours before being transferred to Kira Division Police headquarters, where they remained in custody. Colleague MPs and acquaintances brought them personal items, indicating solidarity.
A group of lawmakers met with police commanders at Kira Police Division, though details of their discussion were not disclosed. A lawyer representing the detained MPs stated their intention to pursue legal avenues for their release.
The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) disclosed that they had not yet received the police files for review and legal advice regarding the detained MPs.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga addressed concerns about the investigation during a press briefing, denying claims of arbitrary summoning of MPs. President Museveni’s call for action against corruption prompted the probe into alleged budget irregularities, implicating both officials from the Ministry of Finance and Parliament.
The investigation, led by Detective/Assistant Commissioner of Police Mark Odongo, aims to gather prosecutable evidence. The NRM Caucus spokesman emphasized the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, stressing adherence to the law. He mentioned ongoing internal investigations within the ruling party concerning corruption allegations, without divulging specific details.
