Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has requested Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja, on behalf of the Government, to address allegations concerning the use of excessive force by security forces in arresting leaders of the National Unity Party (NUP) and conducting a siege at NUP offices. This request follows a decision by Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) to boycott parliamentary sessions until the Government issues an apology for the incidents of brutality they experienced at the hands of security forces.
On Wednesday, Tayebwa, speaking in his capacity as Deputy Speaker, emphasized that the Premier, who serves as the leader of Government business, should present a formal response to the accusations in the Parliament.
Earlier on the same day, MPs from various opposition parties declared their intention to abstain from parliamentary plenary sittings until the Government issues a substantive apology and commits to preventing further acts of aggression by security forces.
The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mathius Mpuuga, addressing a news conference in Kampala and accompanied by opposition MPs, stated, “We reiterate our demand for an explanation from the government regarding the ongoing violations of the rights of opposition supporters and leaders, as well as the siege on our party headquarters. We also insist on a government apology to the opposition parties and their respective leaders for the brutality and other violations.”
Mpuuga continued, “We further demand that the responsible individuals be held accountable and seek a commitment from the government that such violations will not recur.”
Mpuuga clarified, “Walking out is considered an acceptable democratic action worldwide and should not be confused with physical confrontations. Some of us believe that physical confrontations are uncivilized and unacceptable.”
When asked how they would respond if their demands were ignored, Mpuuga responded, “How can the government ignore us? If they had ignored us, they would not be monitoring our actions. We simply carry out our duties without seeking the government’s approval for our actions.”
On October 8th, Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, was apprehended by security personnel shortly after arriving at Entebbe International Airport from South Africa. The NUP leader was forcibly transported to his home in Magere, Wakiso, disrupting his plans for a procession from Entebbe through Kampala’s Central Business District.
