In a demonstration of their ongoing discontent with the government’s perceived indifference to human rights violations by the security forces, Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) exited the parliamentary session for the third time in the past two weeks. The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mr. Mathias Mpuuga, led the walkout, presenting a list of demands to address the prevailing issues. The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, made an appeal for calm, but it did not deter their protest.
The demands put forth by Mr. Mpuuga and his colleagues included the need for a comprehensive debate on the disregard for human rights, a call for respect towards Opposition leaders, and a plea for the government to commit to ending the violations of the rights of Opposition leaders and supporters. The Opposition MPs emphasized that as legislators, they were bound by an oath of allegiance to the Constitution, which serves as the basis for their authority.
Among the critical issues raised during the walkout was the demand for full accountability regarding the November 2020 killings, which occurred amid election violence. They questioned what actions had been taken against security personnel filmed firing live ammunition at unarmed citizens from a Police 999 Patrol vehicle during that period. Additionally, they sought accountability for all Muslims who were indiscriminately arrested, as well as for the 18 Ugandans confirmed missing by the Uganda Human Rights Commission. The Opposition MPs further called for the release of all political prisoners held without trial in military court and accountability for military-related killings.
Mr. Mpuuga pointed out that three years after the November 2020 incidents, justice still eluded the victims who had been shot dead during protests against the violent arrest of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. He raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the report concerning the events, despite promises from the President to make it public.
The Opposition Leader also highlighted cases of deliberate killings by government vehicles, including the incident involving Frank Ssenteza, one of Mr. Kyagulanyi’s bodyguards, and Ritah Nabukenya. Mr. Mpuuga questioned whether government vehicles were being operated without accountability for their actions.
The State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi, responded by noting that the government had previously addressed these issues. Mr. Mpuuga, however, expressed his concerns about blaming all murders on Muslims and cited specific cases where individuals suspected of terrorism were killed in questionable circumstances.
In agreement with Mr. Mpuuga, Mr. Muhammad Nsereko, MP for Kampala Central, emphasized that the Muslim community felt marginalized and expressed concerns about the indiscriminate arrests of young Muslims.
Despite the walkout, the Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Ms. Robinah Nabbanja, urged the House to continue its proceedings without the Opposition, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preventing its collapse.
