Police has finally released Ibrahim Bagaya Kisubi, the co-author of a critical book against the ruling National Resistance Movement. On Saturday, Kisubi announced the launch of his book under the title “Is it the fundamental change? Unveiling the hidden truth:” He was picked up by police on Easter Sunday at around 6:00pm and taken to Wandegeya Police Station where he was grilled for several hours. According to Kisubi, he was grilled by Fred Mirondo, the acting commissioner for Media Crime.
He says that during his interrogation police warned him that if he went ahead with the launch of the book set for Wednesday this week at the constitutional square, he would be accountable for the bloodshed. He claims that the acting commissioner for police Electoral and Political crimes, Allan Balaba told him that if he does not cancel the book launch, he will be charged with treason, terrorism, defaming the President and incitement of violence.
Kisubi says that he was only released and asked to report Kampala Central Police Station this morning, after students from Makerere University stormed Wandegeya police station. According to Kisubi unidentified policemen driving in a black van arrested him this morning, and threatened to agree to the police demands or risk going to jail.
He says that when he rejected the demand, the cops left him and ordered him to return to Kampala Central Police station on Tuesday at 9:00am. Kisubi says the Jinja East MP Paul Mwiru is representing him and Nyanjura Doreen his co-author. Ibin Senkumbi the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirms Kisubi’s arrest and interrogation. Senkumbi says Kisubi has been heard mobilizing people to gather at the constitutional square yet it is out of bounds for any gatherings.
Military police has been standing guard at the constitutional square since the start of the Inter Parliamentary Union last week. On Easter Sunday, the Inspector General of Police Lt. Gen Kale Kayihura issued a stern warning to the banned Activists for Change group against holding any public rally.
In his statement Kayihura said that police had learnt that the activists plan to continue with demonstrations and similar functions despite the instruments issued by the Attorney General, Peter Nyombi, banning the pressure group and its membership. He stated that in no uncertain terms, will such unlawful planned demonstrations and assemblies be allowed by police to take place.
The IGP also warned any members of the public intending to attend the book launch that doing so will be violating the law. However, Kisubi says that they have invited over 700 students from different Universities and political figures to attend the event which kicks of at 2:00pm.
