Members of the Human Rights committee of parliament have been denied access to a residence suspected to be an illegal detention centre allegedly used by security agents to torture criminal suspects.
The MPs led by the committee chairperson Hon. Jenifer Nantume Egunyu had set off on a field visit to a residence in Kyengera town council, Wakiso District on Monday following reports that ISO operatives use it as a safe house.
A tightly secured residence in an enclosure reinforced with stone and barbed wire fence remained locked despite persistent calls to permit entrance. The residence is located near Pepsi depot and Sesaco feeds.
The Solider inside the locked black gate directed MPs to first seek authorization from the Director of Internal Security Organization Mr. Kaka Bagyenda.
MPs including Hon. Latif Sebagala, Hon. Sentamu Kyagulanyi, Hon. Zaake Francis, Raphael Magyezi could not hold their frustration calling the act of Security agencies in Uganda an absurdity, and total disregard of the law since there was prior communication to the Security Minister Gen. Elly Tumwine that they were planning to visit safe houses during his interaction with the committee last week.
“This shows that some people are above the law and we will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the rights of Ugandans are protected” said Latif Sebagala.
The MPs later visited another residence in Nateete, Lubaga Division next to Eliana Nursery School where they were also denied access by UPDF soldiers on guard. The same response was given urging the MPs to seek clearance from ISO boss before they are granted access to the residence.
The MPs also visited another residence in Kabowa where they found police officers but were not allowed to access the place.
Hon. Jenifer Nantume Egunyu and members resolved to go back and summon the ISO boss Kaka Bagyenda for an explanation on the matter.