Banking Nightmare: I&M Bank on The Spot Over Single Mother’s Illegal Arrest
A shocking tale of alleged banking malpractice has left a single mother, Hamba Coreen, languishing in Luzira Prison for three months without a court appearance.
Her ordeal began when masked men abducted her from a school gate in Entebbe, claiming she owed I&M Bank approximately UGX 100 million.
However, Coreen vehemently denies the debt, insisting she had previously cleared a UGX 60 million loan with Orient Bank in 2013.
“In fact, that when Orient was closing, it called all its clients including Coreen asking her whether they still needed their accounts to continue, so that they could be passed on to the new bank [I&M]. She says before responding she asked them whether she owed the Bank anything, to which the bank assured her that to the best of their knowledge, she had completed her loan. After that assurance Coreen told the to close her account since the Bank itself in which she had built rapport with was closing.” In her narration, Coreen said she got a salary loan from Orient Bank in 2013 amounting to about Ugx60m and cleared it fully in the agreed time.
The bank’s sudden demands and aggressive tactics have raised questions about their practices and the judiciary’s handling of civil cases.
“I was never given a chance to defend myself,” Coreen said. “They just roughed me up, threw me into a car, and took me to court. The judge ordered me to pay or go to jail without even listening to my side of the story.”
Coreen’s imprisonment has taken a devastating toll on her family. Her children, whom she has sole custody of, have been left without their primary caregiver. Her health has also deteriorated due to poor prison conditions.
Through her lawyers, Coreen has filed a notice of motion to seek leave for her defense, citing her constitutional right to a fair hearing. The case remains unresolved, with no hearing date set for her bail application.
As Coreen’s story unfolds, it raises critical questions about the banking sector’s accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights.
We are waiting to hear the side of Bank as they have promised to get back to our reporter.
https://theinsider.ug/index.php/2024/09/19/banking-nightmare-im-bank-on-the-spot-over-single-mothers-illegal-arrest/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum