Anne Mugisa
21 September 2007
Kampala — The Army has demanded the names of soldiers implicated in human rights abuse claims by the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
During the launch of the report on the state of human rights at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala, Margaret Sekaggya, the chairperson of the commission, said Lt. Gen. Ivan Koreta, the deputy Chief of the Defence Forces, had asked for the names.
She, however, did not say whether the commission would submit the names of the implicated soldiers.
The report for the period of January 2006 to July 2007, showed a decline in human rights abuses by the army and other state agencies.
It stated that the highest number of violations were against children.
The report criticised some politicians and members of the public for clashing with law enforcers during demonstrations, saying they exhibited intolerance and precipitate face-offs with the Police.
"Much as the Police was throwing tear gas, the public was also very violent. We need guidelines on demonstrations and the freedom of assembly," Sekaggya said.
She urged Parliament to set up a committee on human rights, adding that the human rights commission will work with the British High Commission in setting standards on freedom of assembly.
Sekaggya revealed that commission would soon release reports of abuse of human rights each month.
Koreta, who was flanked several officers including Army spokesman Maj. Felix Kulayigye, made no comment.
Participants called upon Parliament to pass laws that protect the women and children, arguing that they were most vulnerable groups.
They called on the Government to advocate for the passing of the Domestic Relations Bill.
They also called for an inquiry into cases of child sacrifices as reported by the media.
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