Uganda: Opposition Leader Decries Government's Inadequate Response to Missing Persons Crisis

Andrew Regan/Wikimedia Commons
The Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
11 December 2023
The Independent (Kampala)
By The Indpendent

Kampala, Uganda — The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga, issued a stern rebuke of the government's statement on missing persons, deeming it ''disingenuous, insensitive, and dismissive of the plight of affected families.''

In a formal rejoinder delivered during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Mpuuga unequivocally rejected the government's report presented by State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and the establishment of an independent judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the escalating human rights abuses.

Mpuuga criticized the government for adopting a defensive stance rather than actively investigating and addressing public concerns. He highlighted inconsistencies and contradictions within the government's report, citing specific cases where official narratives diverged significantly from documented evidence.

He particularly emphasized the case of Ddamulira John, whose arrest was confirmed by the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, contradicting the government's denial. Mpuuga further exposed discrepancies regarding John Bosco Kibalama's alleged detention, which conflicted with the minister's report.

Furthermore, Mpuuga presented public statements by government officials, including Minister for Lands Judith Nabakooba, former Minister Ronald Kibuule, and former RDC of Mukono Fred Bamwine, whose pronouncements raised serious concerns about their potential involvement in the disappearances.

Read the original article on Independent (Kampala).

Tagged:
Copyright © 2023 The Independent. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.