By Dailymailuganda.com
Uganda’s opposition political parties led by Dr. Lulume Bayiga Vice President of People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) petition Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) on continued violation of human rights in the country post general elections. The argued her to invoke Article 52(3)
The leaders of six political parties made a joint petition to the chairperson of the commission Justice Mariam Wangadya calling her to apply the powers outlined in Article 52(3) and summon the head of police’s CID and the CDF to explain about the alleged basements, abduction and torturing of opposition key figures.
The former Buikwe South legislator reminded the commission head that she ought not to fear anybody because her role is enshrined and spelt out clear in the National Constitution and that she should at any time call and interrogate anyone alleged to be violating human rights in the country.
Asuman Basalirwa the former Bugiri Municipality and President of Justice Forum (JEEM) told the commission that opposition figures a living in fear of being abducted and subjected to torture and harassment by the ruling party using defense forces.
“ We want you to exercise powers given to you and summon those who abduct our members and ask them on the continued violation of human rights and make a report that will help solve such political challenges to reduce political tensions in the country.’’ Basalirwa said.
“ As victims we shall back-up you in this cause because it’s threatening our constitutional right and the country’s democracy.’’ He further asserted.
Tukamushaba Jacklyn Jolly, National Unity Platform(NUP) vice president in charge of Western Region argued the commission’s chairperson to handle the said issues like a parent with utmost impartiality.
She informed Justice Wangadya to help locate where the about of Muwanga Kivumbi who was abducted by men in military attire and whisked him to the unknown destination.
“ This is the 17th day since Muwanga Kivumbi was abducted, we have tried to locate him by reaching various police stations and UPDF barracks but in vein. We therefore seek for your intervention we don’t know whether he was killed or still alive,’’ Tukamushaba said.
“ Such acts are geared towards silencing and suppressing opposition, we demand you to assess the situation as a human rights body,’’ she further argued.
Ibrahim Kasozi of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) said that the State has captures the powers of government and it currently performs all government functions. He argued that there’s a need to engage government to see that human rights violation is deterred.