The Minister of Security, Hon Gen. Elly Tumwine has told the Parliament Committee on Human Rights that there are safe houses in the country although they have no mandate to visit some security installations in the country such as safe houses.
Gen Tumwine was appearing before the committee on Wednesday to respond to a number of questions by MPs surrounding the alleged torture of Ugandans in different safe houses.
The lawmakers wanted the Minister to confirm the existence of the safe houses, their legality as well as the category of people that get detained there among other queries.
The General explained that safe houses are used to detain hardcore criminals who need close and constant monitoring.
The MPs asked to be given time to inspect the safe houses but Gen Tumwine told them that, for security reasons, they would not get access.
He noted that the existence of safe houses is legal citing the constitution.
“There are areas for security reasons which this committee is not allowed to visit,” Gen Tumwine noted.