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MP Francis Zaake blocked at Entebbe Airport

Thursday August 30 2018

Ailing Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake has reportedly been blocked from flying out of the country by security officials.

Mr Zaake's lawyer Asuman Basalirwa says a Police officer told him that his client would not be allowed to travel without clearance, however, he warns that Zaake's travel is a matter of life and death.

'A Police officer by the name of Aloka has informed me that we need clearance from police before Hon. Zaake travels to India. Zaake's condition cannot allow him to go to Police. If he is not cleared, he could easily die'' Basalirwa says.

Zaake was scheduled to fly to India for medical treatment but his lawyers claim Airport Authorities need a letter for Police's Director, Criminal Investigations, Ms, Grace Akullo before they can allow him to leave the country.

On Wednesday, Zaake's family members led by Kampala City Traders Chairperson Everest Kayondo, and the Spokesperson Issa Ssekitto threatened to fly Zaake out of the country by force if they didn't get clearance in time.

READ MORE: Family to fly ailing MP Francis Zaake to India

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They seem to have come good on that threat.

Earlier in the week, the Police Director, CID Grace Akullo asked Lubaga hospital to send the MP to Mulago hospital to be examined there before he can get clearance to leave the country.

According to the Daily Monitor, the request was rejected by the hospital Director Dr Andrew Ssekitolekko who insisted that the patient had already been checked by an expert from Mulago, and he had to be flown abroad for treatment. 

Mr Basalirwa says that as far as he is concerned, he is not aware that his client is a wanted man because none of the letters they received from police indicated so.

He, however, adds that all efforts are being made to ensure that they get clearance from the government.

Mr Ofwono Opondo, the Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre says 'the ''Mityana municipality MP Francis Zaake is a suspect on the run who disappeared from lawful Uganda Police Force custody in Arua and should be arrested at the earliest. He could be trying to escape from justice"

Mr Zaake and Bobi Wine were arrested and reportedly tortured by security agents in Arua on August 13 in the violence that marred the by-election where Mr Kasiano Wadri emerged winner.

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