Gov’t to Respond to Mpuuga’s Human Rights Abuse Statement in 30 days

The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi is set to respond to the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Parliament Mathias Mpuuga concerning the alleged unabated human rights abuses and the shrinking civic space.

This followed a statement presented by LOP during plenary sitting on Thursday, 19 October 2023, detailing incidents of alleged brutal arrests, detention, of opposition supporters without trial among others.

In the statement, Mpuuga alleged that some of the missing persons were picked from their workplaces and homes by state security agencies adding that detailed accounts of their arrest and eventual disappearance have been provided by families and friends.

Minister Muhoozi however said that he will respond after judicial processes have been considered reasoning that the issues raised by Mpuuga are under judicial considerations and therefore prohibited from public discussion elsewhere.

“The response could have been unsatisfactory but that does not close avenues for accountability. We have many avenues in which these issues can be addressed to their satisfaction,” said Muhoozi.

Minister Muhoozi said the government will guarantee civic space to the opposition and all the citizens.

“That right is also not duty-free, it is not obligation-neutral. Government believes in the rule of law and we believe in constitutionalism,” Muhoozi said.

Meanwhile, Alfonse Owiny Dollo the Chief Justice, while speaking at the launch of 2022/2023 performance annual report today Friday, October 20 2023 at the High Court in Kampala, said the Judiciary is committed to enhancing justice for the people of Uganda.

Thomas Tayebwa the Deputy Speaker of Parliament requested Mpuuga to avail Minister Muhoozi with the information of the alleged missing persons and parliament will require Minister to make a comprehensive in response with clear details.

However the opposition has been accused of parading fake torture and abduction allegations after failing to provide any evidence to back up their claims. The Deputy Speaker has called on them to provide more information to support their accusations.