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Bobi Wine
The leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP),Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine has withdrawn a complaint that was filed in 2019 with the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).
Kyagulanyi cited a lack of confidence in the commission’s ability to effectively investigate and address human rights violations.In a letter addressed to the Chairperson of the UHRC, Kyagulanyi explained the reasons behind their decision.
The complaint was initially filed on December 7, 2018, after security agencies obstructed more than 20 music concerts, confiscated their equipment, and violated the rights of individuals solely based on their political affiliation.
“We have come here this morning, more than five years later, seeking a chance to be heard. Article 28 of the remaining Constitution of Uganda guarantees the right to a fair hearing,” Kyagulanyi stated.
He further emphasised that the article entitles individuals to a fair, speedy, and public hearing before an independent and impartial court or tribunal.
However, he expressed disappointment in the commission, stating that they were the ones violating these rights despite being empowered by the Constitution to protect them.
Kyagulanyi questioned the prolonged delay in addressing a complaint regarding human rights violations.
He raised concerns about the effectiveness of the commission, asking what kind of institution would take more than five years to address such matters.
“Madam Chairperson, what kind of Commission are you presiding over? Over time, numerous atrocities and severe human rights violations have been inflicted upon supporters of the political party I lead, the National Unity Platform (NUP),” he said.
These violations include arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, prolonged detentions without trial, torture, sexual assault, trials of civilians in military courts on unfounded charges, and enforced disappearances.
“Even today, some of our supporters who were abducted by security forces remain missing and unaccounted for. Some of these complaints have been brought to this Commission, but the security agencies continue to commit these crimes against our people with impunity,” Kyagulanyi revealed.
To their dismay, Kyagulanyi stated that not only has there been inaction by the Commission against the perpetrators, but they have also witnessed public statements from the commission’s leadership that not only belittle the victims but entirely blame them.
“Madam Chairperson, you yourself shamelessly referred to the missing loved ones of mothers, spouses, and children as ‘ghosts’,” he pointed out.
Considering these circumstances, Kyagulanyi expressed a severe loss of confidence in the Commission.
He lamented that an institution established to protect rights and freedoms has become an accomplice in the grave violations that have come to define the nation.
“It is a mockery that this complaint is being heard more than five years later, before a specialized tribunal that is supposed to be faster than a court of law,” he stated.
“This morning’s hearing is merely an attempt to whitewash the criminality and disregard for the law. Nothing substantial can come out of this hearing. Therefore, I hereby withdraw the complaint we filed over five years ago for the aforementioned reasons,” Kyagulanyi declared.
He urged the Commission to reflect upon its role and decide whether it intends to serve the people of Uganda or continue serving the interests of General Museveni and his military regime.