The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has demanded that the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) unconditionally release Movit Uganda’s proprietor Simpson Bilungi and also apologize the raid on MTN Uganda Data Centre.
“It is very chilling to hear the Director General of ISO proudly associating himself with such illegalities. The era of accessing information at gunpoint is long past. Accessing the MTN data center with no court order but instead using guns is most unacceptable,” the statement read.
“The fact that ISO seemingly operates above the law, the constitution and the courts is a deeply worrying trend that needs to be resolved quickly. The continued illegal detention of Mr. Birungi Simpson aka Movit contrary to the express orders of the High Court is a clear example.”
Simon Peter Kinobe, the ULS President also notes that ISO has no legal mandate to arrest anyone.
“Under 5.4 (2) of the Security Organisations Act, ISO has no legal mandate to arrest and detain any person. The power to arrest and detain is a preserve of the. Police Force and in some instances, the military through CMI.”
Kinobe adds that government should not only denounce the attack on MTN and the illegal arrest of citizens by ISO but should also decisively deal with the particular individuals who broke the law in the arrest/kidnap of MTN employees and illegally accessed MTN’s data center.