The affirmation follows a heated debate from which the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga directed the Human Rights Committee to investigate reports on the presence of Safe Houses in Lwamayuba in Kalangala and Kyengera in Wakiso district. The reports indicate that the safe houses are often used to torture suspects.
Bishop Kaggwa described the incidents in Arua as highly regrettable and dehumanizing to the country. He condemned security agencies for brutalizing the politicians.
The committee on Human Rights visited the facility on Friday May 19, following a directive by the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga to assess the condition of suspects detained there amid allegations of torture masterminded by police officers.
In her letter to Jovah Kamateeka, the Human Rights Committee Chairperson, the Clerk to Parliament Jane Kibirige lists six terms of reference for the committee, key among them is to establish the legal status Nalufenya Police facility especially in regards to holding suspects.
The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga observed that that the application of torture contravenes article 24 of the Constitution which outlaws all forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment as a form of punishment. Kadaga noted that the acts depict total disregard of the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act by the police force.
