The Leader of the Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, has defended the Opposition's decision to end their protest and return to Parliament after the events of the past week.
He explained that although their presence today may appear unusual to some, it was essential to let common sense prevail and pay tribute to Henry Kyemba.
Kyemba, born on December 8, 1939, in Mayuge district, passed away at URO Care Hospital in Kampala due to complications related to diabetes.
The veteran Ugandan politician, civil servant, and author was 84 years old at the time of his demise on October, 19.
"We have the significant task of honoring Kyemba, a statesman and politician. He was both a politician and a world-changer, offering time and knowledge generously to those eager to learn. Despite his influence, he maintained a remarkable simplicity that endeared him to many," said Mpuuga.
Mpuuga pointed out that Kyemba, despite serving three different regimes, faced adversity, including losing his brother to the regime he served. He urged those in power to exercise restraint.
"Kyemba knew adversity, like many Ugandans over time. In 1977, he lost his brother to the regime he served. He faced personal threats, even taking a bullet meant for the President. His own book 'A State of Blood' testifies that we have many more Kyembas in the making. This is why we should tread carefully," Mpuuga emphasised.
Last week, the opposition in Parliament outlined seven demands for addressing human rights violations without excuses, including accountability for the 2020 killings, detained Muslims, disappeared Ugandans, political prisoners, and more.
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Tensions in Parliament escalated when the government presented a report on National Unity Platform(NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi's mistreatment.
Chaos erupted, leading to increased security measures and adjournments.
Mpuuga questioned Parliament's response to these incidents and the government's claims regarding the missing persons' whereabouts.
He read a list of names representing the disappeared and raised concerns about the victimization of Muslims, detention without trial, and the accountability of the military.
State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi, objected to the opposition's claims of targeting Muslims in arrests.
Mpuuga highlighted the case of over 500 NUP supporters arrested in 2021 on unfounded charges, some released without trial after a year, while others remained in detention centers, including military courts, in violation of the constitution.
He questioned Parliament's role in demanding accountability from the military.
