Minister Oryem warns CMI as Govt marks Luwum day

Foreign Affairs Minister Henry Okello Oryem has asked the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence-CMI operatives to desist from acts of torturing and abducting citizens as Uganda marks 46th commemoration of the Janan Luwum day.

The embittered Minister, a son to ex president Tito Okello Lutwa said he is disgusted by the notorious acts by the members of security forces and maintained that government does not condone these heinous actions.

Oryem while speaking to media in an interview said, “Government does not condone torture as a policy. The people abducted and tortured by CMI should know it is specific individuals in security who do these evil acts on their own will,” he said. “We ask the CMI to stop these acts of torture and abductions. Take someone to court if you have issues with him,” he added.

As the Luwum day is marked today, Ugandans have expressed ire at the latest torture ordeal of Mr. Eric Mwesigwa, a Boda rider from Ganda, Nansana who says he was a fortnight back abducted by armed and hooded security operatives from CMI.

Eric recounts that his torture was due to his political orientation as he identifies as a National Unity Platform party supporter.

46 years ago, the Archbishop Janan Luwum was an outspoken Idi Amin government critic who spoke against the ills of the notorious State Research Bureau, a force synonymous with CMI notoriety. Consequently, Luwum’s Namirembe home was raided by Amin troops who abducted him and alleged he was in possession of firearms. The Archbishop would later be murdered alongside two Ministers accused with treason and subversion.