Kadaga assures MPs on their security

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, has said the Parliamentary Commission is taking measures to ensure security of legislators following recent murders in the country.

There has been a high spate of murders of high-profile government officials with the latest victim being the former Buyende District Police Commander, Muhammad Kirumira. Kirumira together with a female occupant in his car were fatally shot near his residence on the evening of 8 September, 2018 in Bulenga, Wakiso district.

The murder of Kirumira comes after that of Arua Municipality MP, Ibrahim Abiriga who was shot dead together with his bodyguard on the evening of 8 June, 2018 near his home in Kawanda along Kampala – Gulu highway.

Kadaga’s revelation was prompted by a concern raised by William Nzoghu (NRM, Busongora County North) who said that his life is in danger. He said that he is being trailed by unknown people, adding that he has on several occasions sighted strangers around his residence.

“I think we are slipping into a situation where we cannot be sure of what is going to happen next. I would like the Ministers of Security, Internal Affairs and Defense to assure me of my security,” said Nzoghu.

Godfrey Katusabe Atkins (FDC, Bukonjo County West) said that the country should take tough security measures before more murders are committed.

“It is time that government prioritizes the security of members and all Ugandans. For how long shall we continue with these tragedies,” said Katusabe.

Kadaga who was chairing plenary sitting on Wednesday, 12 September, 2018 said that the Commission met and one of the issues discussed was the security of MPs.

“We agreed that those members who feel endangered, shall ask government to give them special attention depending on the degree of concern to their security,” said Kadaga.

The Speaker however declined to divulge details of the measures, saying that they would be communicated at an appropriate time.