Widespread Violence, Human Rights Abuses Mar Uganda’s Elections, Group Says
Widespread Violence, Human Rights Abuses Mar Uganda’s Elections, Group Says
Weeks leading to the recently concluded elections in Uganda were characterised by widespread violence and human rights abuses, a global rights group, Human Rights Watch says.
The alleged abuses included killings by security forces, arrests and beatings of opposition supporters and journalists, disruption of opposition rallies, and a shutdown of the internet. ‘’The authorities should ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible for abuses’’, the group said.
Since election campaigns began in November 2020, security forces allegedly clamped down on opposition members and journalists, violently arresting scores of people, including the presidential candidates Patrick Amuriat of the Forum for Democratic Change and Robert Kyagulanyi, of the National Unity Platform.
Uganda: Elections Marred by Violence
Format
Investigate Security Force Conduct; End Repression; Ensure Justice
(Nairobi) – The weeks leading up to Uganda’s recently concluded elections were characterized by widespread violence and human rights abuses, Human Rights Watch said today. The abuses included killings by security forces, arrests and beatings of opposition supporters and journalists, disruption of opposition rallies, and a shutdown of the internet. The authorities should ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible for abuses.
Since election campaigns began in November 2020, security forces have clamped down on opposition members and journalists, violently arresting scores of people, including the presidential candidates Patrick Amuriat of the Forum for Democratic Change and Robert Kyagulanyi, of the National Unity Platform. On November 18 and 19, security forces clamped down on protesters demanding the release of then detained Kyagulanyi, popula
Court orders state to expedite investigations into Nicholas Opiyo case
January 12, 2021 Nicholas Opiyo in court on Monday
The Anti-Corruption court has tasked the directorate of public prosecution (DPP) to expedite investigations in the case where human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo is accused of money laundering.
State attorney, Steven Ariong on Monday informed court that investigations were incomplete and needed more time to finalise them. Opiyo’s lawyer David Mpanga asked court to direct the DPP to expedite the investigations to enable his client to regain his freedom.
Mpanga also told the court that some of the current bail conditions are not favourable to Opiyo especially on the condition of reporting to court registrar twice in a month.
Daily Monitor
Wednesday January 06 2021
Nicholas Opiyo (centre) leaves Nakawa Court after he was charged with money laundering last Thursday. PHOTO /STEPHEN OTAGE.
Summary
The meeting expected to commence at 2:30pm was prompted by two petitions from concerned lawyers about alleged brutality against them by security personnel.
Advertisement
Lawyers under their professional association Uganda Law Society (ULS) have called for a crisis meeting to discuss their colleagues’ arrest by security forces.
“Notice is hereby given that an extraordinary general meeting of the Uganda Law Society, will be held on Wednesday, January 6 (today) at 2:30pm to 4pm as a virtual meeting,” the notice signed off by the association’s secretary, Ms Rita Namakika Nangono, reads in part.
Jailed Human Rights Lawyer Nicholas Opiyo is expected in court today – 93 3 KFM kfm.co.ug - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from kfm.co.ug Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.