The US government through their Kampala based embassy condemned the brutality and increased mistreatment of opposition politicians by the government of Uganda through the security organs police and the military saying it is contrary to the nation’s Constitution.
Although the statement that was published on their embassy website didn’t specify a particular Opposition leader, they made reference to the recent incidents involving Dr Kizza Besigye , Mr Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.
“Today we join the many Ugandans asking why their government has recently blocked musical concerts and radio talk shows, disrupted peaceful demonstrations and rallies, and deployed heavy-handed security forces against peaceful citizens,” some extract on the statement read.
The statement further added: “Uganda’s Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and expression. We echo the Ugandan people in calling on the government to respect these rights. Strong leaders and states do not stifle speech – they allow their citizens to participate fully and without fear in a vibrant multi-party democracy.”
Government of Uganda response to U.S. Embassy Kampala
Indeed government of Uganda respects rule of law and constitutionalism which guarantees freedom of assembly expression and movement.
And expects all leaders to abide by these standards and cooperate with law enforcement officers in the conduct of their activities.
Save for one artiste, all artistes in Uganda enjoy freedom of performance and the media platforms are as free. Equally all politicians enjoy free access to these media platforms.
Ofwono Opondo
Executive Director Uganda Media Centre
Mean While during early morning hours Bobi wine condemned Police and the military who had been deployed at his residence since, after the violent arrest. He expressed concerns due to his home being under siege. They have surrounded my fence and installed barricades on all roads leading to my home.
“It is today when I attempted to move out of my home that the police told me that I am under house arrest. I was headed to Police headquarters in Naguru to deliver a notification about our planned peaceful demonstrations against police brutality, injustice and misuse of authority.” He said
“When they blocked me, I asked my lawyers to deliver the letter, but they too have been blocked and stopped from accessing the police headquarters. A public office! They were ordered to leave the gate to the police headquarters immediately or face arrest!” Bobi wine added on his statement
Bobi assured his supporters that since they the regime had refused to receive his notification as commanded by the law, PEOPLE POWER SHALL GO AHEAD AND DEMONSTRATE PEACEFULLY AS GUARANTEED BY THE CONSTITUTION.