Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has demanded accountability and transparency from the police following the controversial arrest of MP Paul Akamba, who was abducted after securing bail and is now held at the CID headquarters on fresh charges.
In a heated parliamentary session, Speaker Anita Among condemned the recent abduction and subsequent detention of Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, calling for greater accountability from law enforcement.
"If you want to arrest my members, give the summons to me. We cannot allow the police to pick people up randomly," she declared.
Akamba was forcibly taken by masked and plain-clothed gunmen outside the High Court premises shortly after being granted bail.
He is now detained at the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) headquarters, facing new allegations. His arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from political activists and legal experts, who view it as a gross violation of human rights and judicial independence.
"The kidnap of Akamba is not only a breach of human rights but also an affront to the judiciary's authority, as guaranteed by Article 128 of the Constitution of Uganda," said prominent human rights lawyer, Joseph Kyagulanyi. "
Such actions undermine the rule of law and set a dangerous precedent.
"Among revealed that she had negotiated an agreement with the police to provide her with summonses for MPs instead of making arbitrary arrests. "
I insisted to the police that if they want to arrest my members, they must give the summons to me and provide clear reasons. As of now, I have the summons for Akamba, who is answering charges for another case at the CID," she said.
The Speaker's intervention highlights the tension between the legislative and law enforcement branches, as MPs face increasing scrutiny and legal challenges.
Akamba, along with two other NRM lawmakers, is embroiled in allegations of gross corruption. Despite securing a substantial bail—13 million UGX in cash and 100 million UGX non-cash—his violent abduction has sparked outrage.
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Political analyst Dr. Grace Byanyima commented on the implications of such actions.
"The arbitrary detention of MPs erodes public trust in legal and political institutions. It suggests a disregard for due process and could destabilize parliamentary operations," she noted.
As the controversy unfolds, activists and legal experts are calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances of Akamba's arrest.
"We need a thorough and transparent inquiry to ensure that justice is served and that similar incidents are prevented in the future," urged Nicholas Opio, a leading human rights advocate.
The situation continues to develop, with Speaker Among promising to uphold the rights of Parliament members and ensure that legal procedures are followed.
"Our MPs must be treated with respect and fairness. The police cannot operate above the law,"
she asserted, vowing to protect the integrity of the legislative body.
This case underscores the need for checks and balances within Uganda's political and legal systems, as the nation grapples with issues of corruption, human rights, and the rule of law.
