President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has promised to pardon the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen Edward Kalekezi Kayihura.
Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, made the promise during a scientific campaign meeting in Kisoro district on Monday.
“Just like the (Kisoro LC5) chairman said; there are those who committed heavy sins and we forgave them. So then why don’t we forgive him! Because you’ve asked and said he’s our person (NRM) I’ll speak to the military prosecution and tell them your request and also add in my request to have him forgiven,” Said President Museveni.
The President said since the party leaders from the area had sat and unanimously agreed to have their son pardoned, he could not do contrary to their request.
“Since the leaders of Kisoro sitting here have asked me to pardon that great NRM mobiliser, I will personally put the request to the military prosecution.”
President Museveni’s comments were moved by a request tabled by the Kisoro leaders led by the district LC5 chairperson, Abel Bizimana who asked for leniency for the son of the soil.
“You are the most merciful president we have ever heard and you have forgiven many people. We beg you forgive Gen. Kayihura for anything he may have wronged you,” Bizimana told the President on Monday afternoon.
Kayihura was sacked as IGP in April 2018 in the wake of a spate of killings that rocked the country, especially the murder of women in Wakiso district, kidnaps for ransom and assassination of Muslim clerics and some government officials.
Although he was later released on court bail, his case has never been concluded.
The general can only travel with permission from the military court.
He is also not deployed at the moment.
