IGP Kayihura admits shortcomings in Shs165b pension scam probe

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While the IGP asserts that police did not kill the case, he adds that: “The case is alive and kicking and will be caused to be reinstated by the DPP, as we have indicated above, and thanks to the efforts of the Police, there is sufficient evidence implicating the suspects, and which will be adduced when the hearing takes off. There is, therefore, no cause to be disheartened or disappointed.”

The Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura has acknowledged that there could have been shortcomings by the police in the investigations of the pension scam case but dismissed claims that the police entirely failed on its part thus leading to the stumbling of the case.

In a statement to the media, Mr kayihura said that the case dismissal in court was on grounds of technicality and not on lack of substantive evidence.

“The Police investigation of the case was thorough and comprehensive. Strong evidence in form of witnesses and exhibits is available. In fact, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Police are working together to ensure that the case is reinstituted” The statement read in part.

… As for allegations of bribery, the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) of the Police, from time to time, throughout the investigation, received and investigated such allegations, and played a commendable role in protecting the investigation. In respect of the specific allegations contained in the story, the PSU has taken up the matter, and will make thorough and comprehensive investigation not only in the allegations, but, also, how two contradictory reports could have been sent to the DPP by the CIID.” The statement continues.

The Daily Monitor website on Wednesday ran a story under the headline: How police bribery killed Shs165b pension scam case. The story quoted the head of police Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Directorate (CIID) stating that two detectives; Mr George Komurubuga and Mr Moses Kato took staggering cash bribes and caused the collapse of the case where nine suspects were charged with masterminding the plunder of at least Shs165b belonging to pensioners before mysteriously deserting their respective offices.

While the IGP asserts that police did not kill the case, he adds that: “The case is alive and kicking and will be caused to be reinstated by the DPP, as we have indicated above, and thanks to the efforts of the Police, there is sufficient evidence implicating the suspects, and which will be adduced when the hearing takes off. There is, therefore, no cause to be disheartened or disappointed.”

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