Police have dismissed claims saying they are investigating former prime minister over fraud and money laundering.
Media reports Thursday indicated Amama Mbabazi through his lawyers had Wednesday written to police and the Director of Public Prosecution seeking to be updated on claims that he was being investigated for crimes allegedly committed through his defunct bank, the police received a correspondence from Akampurira and Partners under the caption “CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS AGAINST HON. AMAMA MBABAZI SC, MP, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE NATIONAL RESISTANCE MOVEMENT” , where they indicated the Hon Amama Mbabazi SC, MP, as their client whose attention had been drawn to various print and electronic media reports that respective police offices were conducting criminal investigations against him in connection with some Arab investors associated with the National Bank of Commerce, with an intention of charging him with trumped up serious criminal charges of fraud and money laundering which are politically motivated cases.
They further stated that the alleged act was in bad faith and meant to curtail their clients’ fundamental human rights which were a gross violation of the cardinal principles of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Criminal Law.
The Police would like to categorically state that even before the receipt of such letter; we did not have any information about an investigation against their client. And we do request that they share such information with us for further follow up.
Secondly, and for the avoidance of any doubt, we would like to clearly state that the police is not conducting any investigation against the former Prime Minister.
However, his lawyers and the public should also note that under Article 212 of the Constitution and Section 4 of the Police Act, the Police are vested with powers to investigate allegations of crime. Pursuant to these provisions no one is above the law and it follows therefore, that even if your client was under investigations it would be perfectly legitimate.
As Police, we remain committed to executing our mandate in accordance with the law. In the event that any criminal allegations are made against their client, we shall let his lawyers know to enable them prepare defense and the public at large.
Fred Enanga
Commissioner of Police
Press and Public Relations Officer
Uganda Police
