Police have preferred charges of inciting violence against an author of a book critical of President Yoweri Museveni’s human rights record.
Vicent Nzaramba, who has been in detention beyond the mandatory 48 hours in dreaded Rapid Response Unit (RRU) cells, was arrested by security operatives in plain-clothes at his home in Kyebando, a Kampala suburb, on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba said Nzaramba’s publication titled, People Power – Battle the Mighty General, incites violence.
“We have him and we are investigating him for inciting violence. Our investigators are analysing the content of the publication and we will be advised on other charges,” Nabakooba said.
However, she later said the file had been submitted to the director of Public Prosecutions for further advice.
Daily Monitor established that after media queries, the police allowed Gloria Nzaramba, the wife, to visit him at RRU offices in Kireka, a Kampala suburb.
RRU is a police unit that deals with violent crime and terrorists and has been accused of torturing suspects by several human rights bodies, including Uganda Human Right Commission, a government-funded body.
In his 200-page book with a portrait of General Museveni in full military attire emblazoned on the cover, Nzaramba calls for restoration of term limits and resignation of President Museveni for human rights abuses.
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He calls on parliament to impeach the President and a transitional government be put in place to prepare for fresh elections. Nzaramba contested in NRM party primaries for Kawempe South Parliamentary seat last year and lost to Twaha Najja.
Nzaramba described her husband as “a strong NRM cadre”, but who does not believe in “what is happening” in the party nowadays.
“We demand that the government and security operatives with immediate effect take him to the courts of law to be charged if there is a case to answer. The law clearly states that no one shall be locked up for more than 48 hours without being charged in court,” she said, adding, “My husband simply expressed his opinion which is a fundamental right.”
His father, Hezekiah Nzaramba, said for the last three days security operatives have been searching his son’s house. He said his son has also published pamphlets on Idi Amin and Uganda’s politics.
“It’s not a surprise to me that he wrote this book,” he said.
Early this year, government confiscated copies of a book published by the sister of the opposition FDC leader Dr Kizza Besigye, Dr Oliver Kobusingye, at Entebbe International Airport, for being critical of President Museveni and his regime.
