Col Bagyenda arrested over Masaka murders

Former Internal Security Organization (ISO) boss, Col Kaka Bagyenda, last evening claimed that some state actors were framing him as the mastermind of a spate of macabre killings in Greater Masaka region by machete-wielding squads.

The claims by the ex-director general of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Col Bagyenda came amid reports, which he denied, that operatives from the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and sister security agencies, had placed him under house arrest on Kalangala Island. Efforts to reach Bagyenda were futile.

Unknown persons from late July terrorised six districts in Greater Masaka, including the city, by staging gruesome night raids in which they used machetes to chop dead mainly elderly residents.

Two MPs Mohammad Ssegirinya (Kawempe North) and Allan Ssewanya (Makindye West), who both subscribe to the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party, have, alongside more than a dozen others, been arrested and charged in court first with murder and attempted murder before state added the offence of terrorism.

The duo was granted bail, but Hon Ssewanyana was rearrested upon release from Kigo Prison while his co-accused Mr Ssegirinya remained in custody at Kigo Prisons.

In a telephone interview, Mr Kaka did not name the individuals hounding him, but said they are desperately trying to connect him to the murders and violence in Greater Masaka region.

There is presently a lull in the killings following the massing on the ground of security and intelligence operatives amid a visit by the Security minister, Brig Jim Muhwezi, as well as a parallel fact-finding mission by MPs.

Police says the Joint Task Teams countering and actively investigating the vicious murders in Masaka and Lwengo districts. Continue to register more success in their operations.  During the course of last week a total of 12 suspects were charged to court for murder and related conspiracies.  Those charged include; Sewankambo Muhammad, a 32-year-old, male adult; Kibirango John Bosco, aged 40, Ssekajugo Paul, aged 42; Mutabazi Batisita aged 36; Kabayo Henry; Kaganda Moses aged 30; Tumwesigye aged 26; Kayiza Ashiraf aged 20, Ssebunya Isa aged 35; Kyabula David aged 30, Sserwada Mike aged 34 and Muwonge Jude aged 38.