By M. Suleman

23^rd April 2012: The events in Kampala in the past week were like scenes from a Holywood movie.  University student Doreen was denied the chance to write her examination, as she was arrested and remanded after a choreographed court appearance – all because she co-wrote a book that is critical of Museveni’s rule.

For that, she has become a national security threat!  Similarly, an opposition leader, who had gone to support this resurgence in intellectual debates amongst the youth, was similarly arrested, swiftly taken to court then discarded in prison.

In a similar drama, young men who have been in prison since September 2009 were appearing in court. These young men were arrested in a swoop days after the so-called “Buganda Riots”.  Although I have no solid evidence to prove this, it seems clear that the police had selected and coached some constables to testify against the suspects.

Unfortunately, their testimony was not only a sham, but it was also an abuse of the justice system – one that left the infuriated judge with no option but to walk out of court.

Again, in another drama, Kampala Lord Mayor Lukwago was appearing in court. The police that did not allow him to inspect his city were in court to charge him for illegal assembly, inciting violence, and in connection with the death of AIP Ariong.

It is clear that the government is determined to bend the law to imprison anybody who is critical of it.  But this time the Mayor might expose them. While the security has committed murders and run away with them, I believe this time the opposition leaders need to insist on a thorough investigation into Ariong’s death.  What caused his death?

The death of Ariong is similar to the deaths of many innocent unarmed citizens.  The behaviour of the police is consistent and there seems to be well crafted operation plan.  In the well orchestrated confusion in Kasangati, a bullet missed Dr Besigye’s chest but got his hand.

In the Katwe incident a few weeks ago, shots were fired at him but they missed him.  His Aide Francis Mwijukye got the full force of the bullet in his thigh.  The circumstances under which Inspector Ariong died are not significantly different.  As I have said before, a bullet meant for Besigye could have killed Ariong.

Indeed, at the time, an opposition leader questioned the cause of Ariong’s death.  The question is:  Why didn’t the police arrange for an independent second post-mortem before Ariong’s burial?  The first post-mortem report raised more questions than answers.  How, for example, could a blunt object have shattered Ariong’s head?  It would require extra-ordinary force for that to happen.

On the other hand, we know that when a bullet hits someone, its entry into the body leaves a very small wound but shatters a lot more flesh and muscle at the point of exit.  To put all these doubts to rest, Ariong’s body must be exhumed and subjected to a second independent autopsy.  END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.