By Damali Mukhaye
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) has raised a red flag over the rising human rights violation cases in Uganda ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections slated for JanuarY 14.
According to the press statement by the UNCHR spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, numerous human rights violations have been reported including; violation of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and participation, arbitrary deprivation of life, arbitrary arrest and detention, and torture. She says these violations will not only pose challenges on the voting day, but also during the post-election period.
The rights commission indicates that between 18 and 20 November, at least 54 people were killed during riots and protests in at least seven districts across the country over the arrest and detention of two opposition presidential candidates, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, and Patrick Oboi Amuriat.
The statement further indicates that in light of the Presidential Directives on Covid-19 issued on March 18, 2020 and subsequent regulations by the Ministry of Health, the Electoral Commission of Uganda on June 16, issued a new Revised Roadmap for the 2020/2021 General Elections with restrictions targeting mostly opposition candidates.
The commission cites an example of over 100 NUP supporters who were arrested in Kalangala when security forces blocked a campaign event by Kyagulanyi for violating Covid-19 measures saying police have not enforced Covid-19 restrictions in such a strict manner for electoral campaign activities by the ruling party.
It has therefore asked all the Ugandan authorities to protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and to ensure a free and peaceful election process that guarantees the right of the people of Uganda to participate in their country’s public affairs, including by taking measures to prevent instances of electoral violence.
