Daily Monitor
Wednesday December 23 2020
This photo tweeted by DP presidential candidate Norbert Mao on December 23, 2020 shows (L-R) Kasese woman MP, Winnie Kiiza, detained human rights lawyer, Nicholas Opiyo and Mao himself at Special investigations Unit in Kireka.
PHOTO/ COURTESY
Summary
Mr Opiyo has built his name as a human rights defender and often times been at loggerheads with the government over a number of human rights abuses.
Mr Opiyo was reportedly arrested alongside other lawyers investigating the November 18th and 19th 2020 riots, in which over 50 people were shot dead during protests triggered by his arrest.
They include Herbert Dakasi, Anthony Odur and Esomu Obure and NUP s Human Rights Officer, Hamid Tenywa.
A Ugandan human rights lawyer who represents opposition figure Bobi Wine was arrested on Tuesday on charges of money laundering, police said.
Nicholas Opiyo is the founder of the robust human rights defence organisation Chapter Four Uganda and is the lawyer for many activists.
Rights groups have increasingly criticised Uganda over arresting political opponents and violating freedom of association, assembly, and expression as last year authorities introduced new regulations restricting online activities and stifling independent media.
Uganda Police Force confirmed Opiyo s arrest on Twitter for allegations of money laundering and related malicious acts . The investigations are progressing well and any new developments will be communicated in due course, it added.