Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
Kampala, Uganda – The General Court Martial in Uganda has cleared Gen Kale Kayihura, the former Inspector General of Police, of all charges after the state withdrew the allegations against him. Gen Kayihura had been facing accusations of failing to safeguard war material and aiding in the unlawful repatriation of Rwandan exiles.
Gen Kayihura was arrested in June 2018 and subsequently spent more than two months in detention at Makindye Military Barracks before being formally charged in August of the same year. Although he was granted bail in September 2018, he continued to be under house arrest and surveillance until his recent exoneration of all charges.
The charges against Gen Kayihura were rooted in his alleged involvement in the unauthorized extradition of Rwandan refugees and dissidents from Uganda to Rwanda, where they reportedly faced persecution and torture. Additionally, he was accused of failing to account for firearms and ammunition allocated to the police force under his command.
During the proceedings on August 30th, Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe, Chairman of the General Court Martial, announced Gen Kayihura’s exoneration. The state prosecutor confirmed the withdrawal of charges, leading Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe to declare Gen Kayihura a free individual. The Chairman’s statement was unequivocal: “The state has withdrawn the charges. You are accordingly set free. I wish you all the best.” In response, Gen Kayihura expressed gratitude, simply stating, “Thank you.”
The news of Gen Kayihura’s acquittal has been met with appreciation by his supporters and legal representatives, who consistently asserted his innocence and contended that he had been targeted in a malicious campaign.
