Mpuuga calls for professionalism from security

Mathias Mpuuga, the Leader of the Opposition, has warned the government from using the current wave of insecurity in greater Masaka to settle political scores.

Mpuuga, in a brief statement issued this morning by his office, states that considering their recent checkered past, which included killings, illegal detentions, and extortions, Government security services, particularly in Greater Masaka, must work hard to regain the trust of the community.

The statement continues, “The region experienced comparable insecurity two years ago, and some of the persons accused were security operatives.” “We, therefore, caution that investigations into the present wave of insecurity be handled properly to prevent leveraging it to settle political scores, just as the government weaponized Covid-19 to brutalize its legitimate opponents,” the statement continues.

Mpuuga said they expect professionalism, due process, and justice after Commissioner of Police Paul Kato Tumuhimbise issued criminal summonses against Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and his Kawempe North Constituency counterpart Muhammad Ssegirinya to appear for interviews on Monday over the Masaka killings.

“Any attempt to employ shortcuts to solve a larger problem may not serve the victims and accused in the interests of justice. Only unusual professionalism will be able to crack what appears to be a return of organized crime including elements of the state security apparatus,” he warned.

He described the region’s current position as desperate, claiming that residents want protection from the current uncertainties. “It is not within the scope of government to act in haste, but rather to exercise the necessary caution in securing the community while avoiding approaches that tend to arouse suspicion.”

In less than two months, machete-wielding thugs have slain more than 20 people in regions across the Greater Masaka region. The assailants appear to be after older persons who live alone. Before striking later that night, the intruders give their victims advance notice.