President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been very stern in condemning “lazy and undisciplined” security officers who resort to torturing suspects in their custody as a quick means to extract information from them.
The President has previously cautioned that individual culprits who torture suspects under their custody will be delt with, with a firm hand.
He condemns torture of suspects although it appears some kawukumi are watering down his stern call to abate the vice. He himself has often referred to these individual perpetrators as kawukumi.
Over a couple of weeks, sections of the social media have been awash with scenes and images of torture victims allegedly under the hands of kawukumi.
“Evidence through torture is not reliable. Torture is unnecessary and wrong. It must not be used again if it all it was being used like I see some groups claim in the media,” the President cautions.
“Confessions from criminals are not necessary if the investigators do their work well. You can use facts and circumstancial evidence,” he clarifies.
Undisputably, these gross scenes are tarnishing Uganda’s image across the globe. Hence, the long arm of the law must catch up with the individual culprits to account for their undesirable actions.
Against the backdrop of this, the European Union and the US Mission in Kampala have issued statements condemning torture of suspects. Their call is another voice added against torture and it is welcome.
However, the Opposition opportunists who are clutching to these rhetoric foreign statements for political gain are again losing it.
Domestic solutions for Domestic problems
The Opposition ought to recall that capitalizing on foreign rhetoric interference for their political relevancy exposes their pettiness.
Ugandan problems are better addressed with Ugandan solutions.
Through a collective effort, Ugandans should petition their leaders for accountability, task them for results, engage them through lawful processes as they work on healing and reconciliation for all.