Security and legal experts have urged Uganda Police Force not to succumb to President Yoweri Museveni’s call to stop releasing capital offence suspects on bond.
In line with the president’s concern, the Inspector General of Police Martin Ochola, has directed the Police Director of Legal and Human Rights -AIGP Erasmus Twaruhukwa, to meet with the Attorney General to discuss a cordial response to the fountain of honour.
Ochola, through the Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, says he welcomes a number of reforms being discussed in regard to the Justice, Law and Order Sector –JLOS and promises that his institution will provide the required input needed by the Attorney General’s office.
Lawyer Najib Kasule thinks that Museveni is being misled to attack police on releasing suspects on bond.
Citing an example of recent machete killings in greater Masaka where more than 70 suspects were arrested but only a quarter of them were charged in court, Kasule says police will find themselves in a dilemma because their cells will be filled with suspects.
Grace Matsiko, a security analyst also says the challenge has been on the capacity of police to conclude investigations within 48-hours in order to arraign suspects in court as stipulated in article 23 of the Uganda Constitution.
Matsiko says that Museveni could be having a good intention on why he is against releasing suspects on bond, but he should know that without the capacity to conclude investigations within 48-hours it becomes a hurdle for police.
