Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga, voiced strong disapproval of the government’s response to the missing persons crisis, describing it as “disingenuous, insensitive, and dismissive of the plight of affected families.”
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Mpuuga delivered a formal rejoinder, firmly rejecting the government’s report presented by State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners and urged the establishment of an independent judicial commission to investigate human rights abuses.
Key Points:
| Criticisms and Concerns | Opposition Leader’s Stance |
|---|---|
| Defensive stance vs. active investigation | Government accused of defensiveness |
| Inconsistencies in official report | Highlighted contradictions and discrepancies |
| Case examples of Ddamulira John and John Bosco Kibalama | Contradictions with documented evidence |
| Concerns about government officials’ statements | Suspicions raised regarding their involvement |
Mpuuga specifically pointed out the arrest of Ddamulira John, confirmed by the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, which contradicted the government’s denial. He also highlighted conflicting information about the alleged detention of John Bosco Kibalama.
Moreover, Mpuuga referenced public statements from government officials, including Minister for Lands Judith Nabakooba, former Minister Ronald Kibuule, and former RDC of Mukono Fred Bamwine, expressing serious concerns about their potential role in the disappearances.
