(Boston, US) – Ugandan diaspora members, alongside human rights and pro-democracy campaigners, held a peaceful demonstration in Waltham City, Massachusetts, following an alleged assassination attempt on opposition leader and National Unity Platform (NUP) President, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. The demonstrators expressed their outrage at the actions of the Ugandan government and called for international action.
The demonstration, which took place in solidarity with those opposing the Ugandan government’s actions, was attended by Waltham City Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy. The mayor’s presence was seen as a significant show of support for the Ugandan community and their calls for justice. The protestors appreciated a recent statement from the U.S. Department of State, which expressed concern over the shrinking democratic space in Uganda.
The demonstrators urged the U.S. government, specifically the State Department and the Treasury Department, to expand the scope of sanctions on Ugandan officials responsible for human rights violations and corruption. They called for targeted sanctions against several high-ranking officials, including newly appointed Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba, Senior Commissioner of Police Frank Mwesigwa, and other security officers. These individuals have been accused of involvement in suppressing political opposition, violating human rights, and undermining constitutional freedoms such as peaceful assembly and free expression.
The campaigners further urged the U.S. Congress to consider suspending funding and security assistance to Uganda until President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his government commit to upholding the rule of law and human rights protections. The activists emphasized the importance of international pressure to compel the Ugandan authorities to respect democratic principles and human rights.
In a related development, NUP supporters in Uganda’s Masaka region also staged peaceful protests condemning the attack on Bobi Wine. The protesters called for justice and demanded that the security officers involved in the incident be held accountable.
| Key Demands from Protesters | Details |
|---|---|
| Sanctions | Targeted sanctions on Ugandan officials involved in human rights abuses and corruption |
| Accountability | Prosecution of security officers involved in human rights violations and attacks on opposition leaders |
| International Support | Suspension of U.S. funding and security assistance to Uganda |
| Rule of Law | Pressure on the Ugandan government to uphold constitutional rights and freedoms |
The Ugandan government has yet to officially respond to the demands made by the diaspora and local protestors, but pressure from international human rights organizations and foreign governments continues to mount.
| Key Individuals Accused | Position | Allegations |
|---|---|---|
| Abbas Byakagaba | Inspector General of Police | Human rights violations, suppression of opposition |
| Kazaara Robert | Police Officer | Role in attacks on opposition |
| Twesigye Kaino Erias | Police Officer | Involvement in human rights abuses |
| Isa (CMI) | Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence Officer | Attacks on civil society activists |
| Shadrack (FFU) | Field Force Unit Officer | Undermining freedom of assembly |
| Frank Mwesigwa | Senior Commissioner of Police, Director of Operations | Persistent human rights violations |
| Kituuma Rusoke | Assistant Commissioner of Police, Spokesperson | Human rights violations, suppression of free expression |
The protestors said they remained hopeful that increased international scrutiny will lead to meaningful change in Uganda’s political landscape, particularly concerning the protection of civil liberties and democratic principles.
NUP is selling our beautiful coutry Uganda to Americans. I have afear Bobi is not capable of leading this country Uganda, there is someone else behind NUP’s agender, and the members doesn’t know, they just follow/ do what they told to do. NUP whats to take us back to coloniolrule. We have to think be4 we act if not our quick decisions will lead us to hell