The National Unity Platform (NUP) has denounced the recent police assault on Ms Suzan Nakaziba Mugabi, the Buvuma Woman MP, and Mr Gad Daniel Onyango, alias Opondo, the district Speaker. The incident, which took place during belated Women’s Day celebrations in Kyanja Village, Bwema Sub-county in Buvuma District on April 21, has sparked significant outrage and demands for responsibility.
Eyewitnesses said that police officers used physical force and tear gas to scatter a crowd that had assembled for the ceremony. Those impacted by the police activity included Daniel Onyango and Nakayima. The event has drawn heavy criticism for the disproportionate use of force and the infringement of human rights.
However, police have denied the allegations, saying the event was not approved by the Force.
A video of the pair being kicked, subdued, and beaten by individuals wearing police gear has subsequently gone popular on social media.
By the time of yesterday’s press deadline, Mr. Onyango and Ms. Mugabi had been admitted to separate medical facilities in the Iganga District and Rubaga hospitals, respectively, where they were receiving treatment for their wounds.
Joel Ssenyonyi, a spokesman for the NUP, called the act “unacceptable” and demanded an investigation. Additionally, he requested that those accountable for the assault be held accountable.
“The people they torture are leaders who committed no offence. We are taking note of those individuals in police and army uniforms who are engaging in such heinous acts,” he said.
He questioned why the First Son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is allowed to organize events when security forces continue to disrupt opposition meetings.
“He [Gen Muhoozi should] be the one to be blocked because he is a serving army officer who is openly doing politics,” Mr Ssenyonyi said.
A number of Ugandan political figures and human rights organizations have expressed shock and condemnation over the occurrence. Many have demanded that police brutality halt and that the nation’s human rights be upheld.
The NUP Secretary General, Mr David Lewis Rubongoya, said “The people of Uganda need to see this brutality beyond just the few incidents. It is now a crisis. Mr Museveni’s son is able to move in the country and do what he wants even when it is illegal for him to do it as a military officer and yet we have NUP being hounded everywhere and yet it is a registered political party. Those double standards really show which type of country we are living in.”
This tragedy occurs when worries about Uganda’s democracy and human rights situation are escalating. Political turmoil and violence have plagued the nation in recent years, with the government and security services frequently targeting opposition leaders and their supporters.
The government and security forces have harassed and intimidated the NUP’s leaders since the party has been at the forefront of the fight for democracy and human rights in Uganda. Many people believe that the latest attack on Mulongo and Nakayima was just another attempt to silence dissent and opposing voices in the nation.
The NUP has pledged to keep fighting for democracy and human rights in Uganda and has asked for cooperation from the international community in doing so. The party has additionally exhorted Ugandans to defend their rights and call on their government and security forces to account for their actions.