By Stephen Kalema
Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament, Francis Zaake, has termed charges preferred against him by Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (CIID) as ‘bogus’ and ‘stupid.’
While appearing at the CIID headquarters in Kibuli on Monday, Zaake said as per the Constitution, he will instead be suing the government for torturing him.
“These are all stupid charges. I call them bogus charges. However, I am also here to find out why they tortured me and why I was beaten to this magnitude that I cannot even walk. I still have issues with my neck,” said Zaake, who was summoned to CIID to answer charges of treason, following the aftermath of the Arua Municipality by elections in August.
Zaake said if there is any case that is worth looking into, it is that he was clobbered in a hotel room in Arua.
“They tortured me so much that is the only reason why I am the only one they haven’t taken to court yet. But as they plan to take me to court, they should know that I am also taking them because I know them,” he added.
In September, Zaake was dropped at the gate of Lubaga hospital with several injuries to his hands, head and complained of back pain. He claims that he was arrested and tortured by Special Forces Command officers after the Arua Municipality by-election chaos, where he is accused and others of having stoned President Museveni’s vehicle.
Notably, the President said Zaake had escaped from police custody.
In the same month, treason charges were slapped against him and was wanted by CIID which also accused him of escaping from lawful custody.
However due to poor health, Zaake was later released on bond and cleared to travel abroad for further medical attention.
On November 21, he was summoned to report to CID offices Kibuli, but did not appear due to poor health.
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