By The Insight Post Uganda
Kampala – Uganda
A wave of fear and apprehension has swept through the corridors of power in Uganda as lawmakers (Members of Parliament-MPs) find themselves caught in a disturbing cycle of death threats.
Surprisingly, these threats are allegedly originating from a shadowy group calling themselves the ‘Association Of Tired Officers In Uniform Uganda.’ In a troubling turn of events, these anonymous callers have accused the MPs of neglecting their welfare concerns, leaving the legislators feeling both vulnerable and targeted.
These individuals have taken it upon themselves to chastise the lawmakers, blaming them for their perceived lack of action in addressing critical issues pertaining to the welfare of officers in uniform.
Currently, the MPs have started feeling as though they were being trailed and watched. Still, reports have emerged of suspicious individuals loitering around their residences and offices, intensifying concerns over their personal safety and raising questions about the extent of the threat they face.
However, fearing for their safety, several lawmakers have stepped forward to sound their concerns to the Speaker of Parliament and the police, seeking immediate intervention and resolution to prevent any unfavourable outcomes from occurring.
Sarah Opendi, the Member of Parliament representing Tororo District, disclosed that she has been the recipient of multiple intimidating messages from individuals associated with the group, one of whom identified himself as Congo Bajo.
According to the information Opendi has received so far indicate the association purportedly consists of a diverse group of members, including army officers, teachers, police officers, and health workers.
Additionally, Opendi revealed that the members of the “association” demanded that she pay a sum of Ugx10 million within a seven-day period, threatening her with consequences if she failed to comply.
“Congo Bajo warned me to watch my moves saying I was the next target. These are direct threats to my life; I reported to the police but in the evening, I received more messages,” she adds.
Reports have also surfaced indicating that Joyce Bagala, the Mityana woman MP, and Derrick Nyeko, the Member of Parliament for Makindye East, have likewise received similar threats.
Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has stated that multiple MPs have reported threats related to their involvement in the ongoing investigation of the National Council of Sports.
Tayebwa reveals that these threats specifically originate from individuals within the sports federations, with the intention of dissuading MPs from continuing their investigations.
It is uncertain if these individuals comprehend the significance of oversight in the duties of Members of Parliament, as well as their understanding that the funds they utilize are assigned by MPs.
Nevertheless, Tayebwa has assigned the Ministry of Internal Affairs the responsibility of investigating and capturing the culprits, given that they use phones with registered numbers.
“We received information stating that all phone numbers that were not registered have been deactivated. Consequently, since Hon. Opendi has provided the number, it implies that the identities of the criminals can be ascertained. Alternatively, it suggests that unregistered numbers are allowed to operate,” Tayebwa details.
He encouraged all MPs who have received death threats to report such occurrences to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Parliament.
Jim Muhwezi, the Minister for Security, provided reassurance to the MPs regarding his ministry’s determination to apprehend the offenders.
He says the government is fully cognizant of these threats and the MPs like Sarah Opendi have already shared the messages they received from these criminals to the authorities for further investigation.
“I would like to assure both the House and the nation that we will apprehend the culprits,” Muhwezi affirmed.
Fred Enanga, the spokesperson for the Uganda Police, stated that the combined security agencies have taken charge of investigating the source of the anonymous threats.
“As the Joint Security Agencies, we regard threats to life as a matter of utmost significance. Presently, we are unable to ascertain or dismiss the validity of these anonymous threats,” Enanga explains.
Nevertheless, he further mentions that they are presently gathering information to assess the scope of these anonymous threats.
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