Police in Moroto have released on bond four local council chiefs who are accused of convicting and sentencing suspects to death.
Four local council officials of Akokokwam village in Nakapiripirit district were arrested by the army for presiding over a Kangaroo court in which three murder suspects were sentenced to death by hanging.
The LC chiefs are Paul Iko, the Akokwam parish LC2 Chairman, Peter Aleper, the Akokwam village LC1 Chairman, and Philip Lokeris the Parish Chief who was the secretary of the court.
The trio was jointly arrested with the Chekwi village LC1 Chairman, Michael Achia. Achia is accused of convicting a 26-year-old man to life imprisonment on allegations of killing the son of an area local council official.
The Regional Police Commander, Okot Obwona, says the suspects were released early this week on the advice from the State Attorney. The state attorney advised that the suspects be released pending an investigation into their case.
Obwona says the chiefs could be re-arrested if police find incriminating evidence against them.
The release of the chiefs has excited residents of Nakapiripirit town, who accused the army of interfering in their traditional justice system.
