By Watchdog reporter
Three witnesses have thrown the police brutality case against police chief Gen Kale Kayihura and his officers in jeopardy as they claim bribery by lawyers representing them.
The three had recorded statements over police brutality but claim they were bribed to make complaints against the police chief.
Gen. Kayihura and other senior police officers were summoned to appear before Makindye court on Thursday but the witnesses addressing the media at the Makerere Guest House said they would not be part of the criminal prosecution of the police bosses.
Wanted by the Makindye court are Gen. Kayihura together with Andrew Kaggwa the Regional Police Commander Kampala East, James Ruhweza the head of operations Kampala Metropolitan, and Samuel Bamuziibire who was then Commander Field Forces Unit. Others are Patrick Muhumuza who the commander the Field Forces Unit, Wesley Nganizi the regional Police Commander North, Geoffrey Kahebwa the then deputy Regional Police Commander North, Moses Nanoka the then Divisional Police Commander Wandegeya.
Andrew Sebitosi, one of the three witnesses, told the press that he was approached by Denis Walyemera, a lawyer with Namugali & Walyemera company advocates and offered sh 800,000 and promised them sh5 million upon appearing in court as witnesses.
“I was set up to work as a witness against Gen. Kayihura. I will not allow to be used to fight their battles which am not part of,” Sebitosi added.
“We have met about 30 lawyers with the aim of implicating the IGP, and there are many leaders who are pressurizing to pin him (IGP),” Sebitosi says.
Joseph Kaddu, a boda cyclist from Mulago Katale Zone stage said that he intended to appear as a witness the IGP because of the lumpsum that was given to him.
He also adds that he was not beaten by police and he was not at the scene where Besigye supporters were beaten from.
“I was chosen because they knew I am an FDC supporter. I have participated in the walk to work and the defiance campaigns before,” Kaddu said
He further says that he can’t refund the sh800, 000 bribes that were given to him by lawyers adding that he used it.
“I was I need of money and I was called upon to testify against the police, but I won’t appear in court neither will I pay back the bribe because I used it,” Kaddu said.
The private criminal proceedings were instituted by two law firms Lukwago & Co Advocates and Namugali & Walyemera Co Advocates.
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