Parliament has tasked Internal Affairs Minister Gen Abubaker Jeje Odongo to account for the torture of citizens by Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga’s directive follows a request by the Lwemiyaga Member of Parliament Theodore Ssekikubo who said that many citizens have come out with claims that they have been tortured by ISO in safe houses under the instructions of ISO boss Col (Rtd) Frank Kaka Bagyenda.
“Madam Speaker I request the Minister of Internal Affairs to provide with Parliament an explanation regarding the ISO director, Col (Rtd) Frank Kaka Bagyenda who is accused of arresting, detaining and torturing citizens, among them, are lawyers, in their line of duty,” said Ssekikubo during the plenary on Thursday.
Ssekikubo told the Parliament that ISO has taken over Police’s responsibility and they are carrying out arrest, torture and illegal detention of people around the country.
On Monday this week, Police spokesman Fred Enanga during the press conference also expressed his anger towards ISO due to arrest of their officer and an informer who provided information on the investigation of Boda-boda murders.
According to Enanga last week ISO picked up a police officer identified as constable Lusiba and an informant, Balikowa Sserwadda on allegations that they have been conspiring with attackers of boda-boda riders and buyers of stolen motorcycles in Kampala and its outskirts.
“We need to commend Katwe police station and Nateete for the good work they have done since we started the investigations of Bodaboda murders and buyers of stolen motorcycles, Sserwadda has helped us so much but I can’t explain why ISO arrested him and our officer,” said Enanga on Monday.
Enanga said the two helped police to recover 45 motorcycles, 55 dismantled motorcycles, 55 motorcycle registration number plates, 25 frames and 25 motorcycle engines. However, he said that police don’t know ISO’s agenda on arresting the duo.
Meanwhile, Kadaga has directed either of the two ministers; Internal Affairs or Security Minister to make a statement in the House next week on why ISO is acting that way.
