MP Sarah Opendi Blasts Hooded Security Personnel For Kidnaps

Tororo District Woman MP Sarah Opendi has called out security personnel for carrying out kidnaps while hooded.

The controversial MP expressed her disappointment with the security apparatus during plenary on Wednesday afternoon. During the session chaired by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Opendi decried the number of security personnel who are unidentifiable on the streets.

“Recently, I went to a bank at Forest Mall. There was a lady being accompanied by a UPDF officer who was holding a gun and completely hooded. The officer’s head was covered. Only his eyes were visible. Honorable Speaker, this is now a common occurrence.” said Sarah Opendi.

Opendi noted that the tendency of covering one’s identity was previously associated with thieves. She wondered why this is becoming a common occurrence. The legislator also noted that this was the modus operandi during the recent protest against corruption.

On July 23, mild protests erupted in the city as a section of youths protested reported corruption at Parliament. The youth attempted to march to the House to deliver their grievances regarding the expenditure of Parliament. Although police quelled the protests, they have faced criticism for the excessive force used. Over 60 youths were arrested in relation to the protests.

“Even during the riot of the youth against Parliament, I saw security officers completely hooded. I thought this is against the Penal Code Act. I would understand if they were in a speeding car. But you are on the street, moving on foot hooded. What is your intention?” Sarah Opendi.

Opendi wondered why security operatives would be doing this in a largely peaceful country. She feared that this could create more challenges for the country ahead of elections.

“We are even seeing people being kidnapped. They kidnap and yet they are security operatives hooded. I want clarification as we are heading towards campaign times.” Sarah Opendi added.

In June 2018, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called for a ban on hooded jackets. The President made this directive following the assassination of various high-profile citizens by hooded motorcyclists. Particularly, the ban on hooded jackets was announced during the burial of former Arua Municipality MP Ibrahim Abiriga.

“Why do you kill an elected leader of the people of Uganda? If you start a war with NRM, you will lose. So, we are going to ban wearing this hooded jacket when you are driving or you are on a bike.” President Museveni said in 2018.