National Unity Platform President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, has condemned the manner in which Busiki County MP Paul Akamba was taken by gunmen at the Anti-corruption Court on Friday.
The legislator was forcibly taken shortly after being granted bail as he faces corruption-related charges.
On Wednesday, Akamba was charged by the Anti-Corruption Court alongside two other MPs after three days in the custody of Police.
According to their charge sheet, the MPs allegedly solicited from Ms. Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, a cut from the entity’s budget on May 13, 2024.
Under this understanding, the MPs would pocket 20% of an enhanced Human Rights Commission budget.
The other MPs, Yusuf Mutembuli of Bunyole East and Lwengo District Women Representative Cissy Namujju, were denied bail on Friday. One of Mutembuli’s sureties failed to show proof of her workplace. On the other hand, Namujju failed to provide necessary documentation regarding her residence.
Through a post on social media platform X, Bobi Wine described the scenes at the Anti-corruption Court as unfortunate.
“Very unfortunate scenes at the Anti-corruption Court yesterday as this NRM MP was violently abducted just after being granted bail,” Bobi Wine stated.
However, Bobi Wine said this isn’t a singular occurrence as members of the opposition have been falling victim to this practice. He warned that this isn’t new as members of his party keep facing dubious detentions.
In addition, the musician-turned-politician highlighted the plight of MPs Allan Ssewanyana and Muhammad Ssegirinya, who were detained for close to two years despite posting bail.
“Muslim clerics arrested on different trumped up charges have gone through this countless times,” Bobi Wine noted.
Parliament should act
Kyagulanyi had no kind words for Parliament, which he said turns a blind eye when such impunity happens. He warned MPs not to take the back seat when opposition players are treated with impunity, saying that fate is double-crossed.
According to Bobi Wine, the treatment of Akamba, an ardent member of the ruling NRM, is evidence that if the law does not protect a member of the opposition, neither will it protect an NRM one when they need its protection the most.
Paul Akamba was granted bail with a cash bond of Shs13 million and non-cash sureties of Shs100 million each. His colleagues are expected in court on June 17 for further hearings on their corruption charges.
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