Kampala. Businessman Hassan Basajjabala yesterday thanked President Museveni for sacking and ordering the arrest of former police chief Gen Kale Kayihura.
Gen Kayihura, at the helm of police since September 2005, was sacked at the end of March and was arrested on June 13 on charges that are yet to be made public.
For many years regarded as the President’s chief enforcer on security matters, Gen Kayihura was a divisive figure, at one time being referred to as “Gen Tear Gas” by Ms Jacqueline Mbabazi, the wife of former prime minister Amama Mbabazi.
Mr Basajjabalaba, a prominent businessman and former member of the ruling party’s top governing organ, said during the 18th graduation ceremony of Kampala International University in Kampala: “It was the best decision to arrest Kayihura.”
Mr Museveni, who was the chief guest at the function, remained expressionless as Mr Basajjabalaba spoke about the high profile detainee at Makindye Military Barracks, a matter that most government and security officials have remained tight-lipped about.
When on Thursday an MP suggested that Parliament discusses the subject, Speaker Rebecca Kadaga ruled otherwise, saying Parliament would not add value to the debate at this point in time. Two weeks since his arrest, Gen Kayihura has not been charged and information about the charges against him remains scanty.
President Museveni did not comment on Gen Kayihura’s arrest. The President instead urged the 2,410 graduands, who included Bukedea Woman MP Anita Among (FDC), to be disciplined, avoid alcohol and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have learnt at their places of work and elsewhere.
In a brief chat with Sunday Monitor after the function, Mr Basajjabalaba said sacking Gen Kayihura was “long overdue”, adding: “Many people have died during his reign; even in broad day light.”
