By James Kamana
The Chairperson Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Adv. Mariam Wangadya has expressed concern over the increasing incidents of violent crimes in the country.
She cited robbery and murder as being on the increase and therefore, called for serious actions by the State to make the costs for the perpetrators very expensive.
The fiery lady from Bugisu, cited the gruesome murder of a city business woman identified as Lydia Babirye, who is said to have been killed a few days ago. According to the police, two suspects including Shafiq Kagga and Abubaker Ntege (a resident of Kiteredde village-Kakiri T/C) have already been harvested and confessed to the brutal action. Kagga was netted at Bulenga Wakiso District and upon arrest, he led the security team to Ntege’s hideout at Hass Petrol station in Nateete, according to police’s deputy spox Luke Oweyesigire. The two suspects allegedly kidnapped Babirye, a real estate dealer and resident of Ntinda-Kampala and demanded for a ransom of UGX 19million, part of which (UGX 7m) was wired on Kagga’s line. Police suspects the murderers killed Babirye by suffocating her using kaveera and planned to secretly burry her at Ntege’s premises.
Responding to this crime, Wangadya called for a public trial of these monsters and upon conviction, they be served with a harsher punishment to deter other would-be murders.
“A public trail is necessary for such vile and reprehensible crimes that shake the conscience of the nation. Violent crimes like robbery and murder are on the increase” she said.
Wangadya went on ‘We want the people to witness every stage of the trial of the suspects in these cases so that they fully appreciate the response of the State to this crisis. This is in line with the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda’
The UHRC boss cited Article 126 of the Constitution that grants judicial officers powers but deriving it from the people.
She said such power should be exercised by the courts in the name of the people in conformity with the law, our values, norms and aspirations.
“The same legal provision says “justice shall not be delayed”. Hence we demand a transparent and speedy trial. Should the trial result in a conviction, we call for a deterrent punishment and which has to be commensurate with this abhorrent crime” she said.
Adv. Wangadya noted that the victims of crime and their families must feel protected, and valued since their rights are equally as important as the rights of accused persons.
“Justice for All! Such beastly individuals once convicted deserve the heaviest penalty in the book” she said, and urged the Principal Judge to ensure that the process is transparently done and speedily.
