Opposition Members of Parliament left a parliamentary session on Tuesday afternoon, alleging that the police had engaged in persistent brutality.
Acting Leader of Opposition, Muwanga Kivumbi, claimed that despite the constitutional court’s decision to nullify the Public Order Management Act (POMA) and certain sections of the Police Act, which restricted public gatherings, the police and military have continued to prevent the opposition from organizing public gatherings.
Kivumbi expressed his concerns, saying, “For the last few days, including our Independence Day celebrations, the principles of our independence have been severely compromised. Recently, NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi was harassed at the airport. Furthermore, NUP party offices were sealed off, and both the party secretary-general and spokesperson were arrested.”
As a condition for their return, Kivumbi demanded that the government provide a clear explanation for the actions taken by the police. He emphasized the importance of respecting the law within the parliamentary setting.
In response, Bugiri municipality MP (JEEMA) noted that the courts had invalidated all restrictive provisions regarding public gatherings, and the police were acting contrary to the law.
However, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, who was chairing the session, criticized the opposition, claiming they had not given prior notice of their request for a statement. He asked the opposition to allow the government time to prepare a statement, as he had not been briefed on the matter.
Unconvinced, Muwanga Kivumbi led his fellow opposition members out of the chamber, indicating that they would not return until the government provided an explanation for the alleged actions against the opposition.
Additionally, on Monday, the police sealed off the National Unity Platform (NUP) party offices in Kamwokya and arrested senior party officials, including the secretary-general, Lewis Rubongoya, and the party spokesperson, Joel Ssenyonyi, along with other members.
