By Sarah Achen Kibisi
The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, General David Muhoozi described the remarks by Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga that Uganda is among the worst human rights abusers as false and generalistic in nature.
He made the remarks while making a statement on alleged enforced disappearances of persons.
Government has accused National Unity Platform of running a smear campaign, of state kidnaps, saying this is a ploy being used by the Opposition to solicit for Visas to go abroad, with Minister David Muhoozi wondering why the victims of these kidnaps never captured the number plates of vehicles behind these abductions.
Muhoozi also claimed that the top leadership of National Unit Platform (NUP) barred relatives of missing persons from speaking to Police, which explains why some cases of missing persons remain unresolved to date.
Muhoozi said, “Investigations are not conclusive regarding the alleged involvement of the crew of vehicle mentioned as UP999 and marked No 17 on its door, in the November 2020 killings. The BBC documentary dubbed ” Three killing C’ has been established to be the source of this allegation. The registration number of the said motor vehicle is not shown and is under verification. Where the clip was taken, when and by whom, are not easily ascertainable to enable the requisite verification of the contents of the said clip.
The Minister revealed that Government is still carrying out investigations to verify the registration of the Police Truck 17 that was cited in the knocking dead civilians during the November 2020 killings downtown Kampala. Lop they are going to scrutinize the report and see to add their part as a rejoinder.
Muhoozi said, “Government keeps open the window for any fresh and incontrovertible evidence, pointing to individual culpa regarding alleged wanton and unjustifiable use of excessive force in order to ensure that the ends of justice and accountability are served.”
He called on individuals with evidence showing the individuals behind the killings of civilians during the November 2020 protests to furnish investigation bodies with this kind of evidence.
The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga thanked government for finally delivering the report but castigated it for taking long to respond.
He requested the speaker to give him time together with his team so they can study the report in depth and bring a rejoinder on the floor.
This prompted the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Among who applauded the opposition for returning back to the house to agree in the affirmative.
“Indeed the report came a bit late and its only prudent enough we give the LOP time to bring his rejoinder next week on Tuesday,” said Among.
Kwania county, Tony Ayoo (NRM) said that government should be commended for bringing the long awaited statement requested by the Lop although it delayed in responding. This shows there is harmony restored in the house because previously Ugandans were judging the whole matter in unfair way.
Shamin Malende Kampala district woman MP, added that it’s was good that government had fulfilled its part but as opposition, they are also going to scrutinize the whole report before coming up with their recommendations.
Mukono North MP, Abdallah Kiwanuka described the statement as shallow and lacking because it did not explain the missing persons in the different areas.
Ends
