Following the tragic demolition of St. Peter’s Church of Uganda located in Ndeeba, Lt. Col Edith Nakalema, the Head of the Anti-corruption unit under the president’s office has vowed to deal with every public official who was involved in the demolition of the church.
“We received information that the St Peter’s Church of Uganda, Ndeeba which had been in existence for over 45 years was being demolished under the supervision of some police officers. His Excellency the President of Uganda has been briefed and has directed that all public officers involved should be held accountable.” Nakalema said while addressing the press.
I am pledging that I will ensure that the president’s directive is implemented. I must ensure that all agencies involved will do their work. The minister of lands and the permanent secretary ministry of lands are doing their best to investigate the matter. There won’t be giving police bond to the involved culprits. They should be kept in police custody.
The demolition started at about 10 pm on 9 August with full knowledge of DPC Katwe, OC station Ndeeba, and all officers under them ignoring all established procedures of the judiciary, ministry of lands, and Uganda police. To this effect, the Inspector General of Police ordered the arrest of all officers involved and also directed the director CID to expedite the investigations with the intention of prosecution.
Among those arrested so far; DPC Katwe SP David Epedu, OC Ndeeba ASP Yeko Kato Mugira, the in-charge Field Force Unit, Kalori Isabirye and Ivan Katongole, the KCCA acting director physical planning.
The spokesperson Kampala Metropolitan, Patrick Onyango said the police were disturbed by news of the incident at 1 am. Personel were placed to guard the place as matters were being resolved by the concerned parties.
“It took us by surprise when we learned about the demolition of the church. The questions we are asking our officers are who removed the officers who were guarding the church? The second question is that Ndeeba police station and Ndeeba COU are neighbors there is nothing that can happen without either knowing? How is it that demolition started and our officers were only made aware when 90% was demolished? It shows some bit of conspiracy, connivance, syndicate, and probably money exchange hands. This is why the matter is being investigated to the level of the directorate of CID,” Onyango said.
Those arrested are currently detained at Katwe Police Station to help with investigations.
