By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party candidate for the Kawempe North by-election, Sadat Mukiibi, also known as Kalifah Aganaga, has called on opposition political parties and human rights defenders to unite and sue individuals responsible for human rights violations and abductions in Uganda.
“The abduction of innocent Ugandans is not the solution. I urge all opposition political parties to come together and take legal action to address this issue. Perhaps the courts will intervene, just as the Supreme Court ruled against the trial of civilians in military courts,” Mukiibi stated.
His remarks follow claims by residents of Kyanja Komamboga that security operatives often dressed in casual clothes and using unmarked drone vehicles are abducting people, particularly opposition supporters, Boda Boda riders, and youth in the area.
Residents Speak Out
Mama Naggayi, a stall vendor in Kyanja, claims that security operatives arrest young people both during the day and at night on charges of idleness and disorderliness, despite the Constitutional Court having decriminalized this as a petty offense.
Wako Richard, a Boda Boda rider at Kyanja stage, expressed concern over the growing fear among residents, especially those with divergent political views to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He stated that many live in constant fear of abduction and threats to their lives.
Mukiibi strongly condemned the actions of security operatives, emphasizing that the opposition is not an enemy of the government but plays a crucial role in holding it accountable.
“This is a sign that Security or those individuals behind these unlawful activities see opposition as a plate. But, opposition should not be seen as a plate. Opposition is there to provide cheques and balances to the government, pointing out its shortcomings,” he said.
Return to Past Repressive Eras
Nuriat Kawaida, a local politician and resident, compared the current situation to Uganda’s past repressive regimes, where citizens were abducted, executed, and arbitrarily arrested, while others like Benedicto Kiwanuka, a former Democratic Party (DP) leader disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
“We used to witness such incidents during the ‘Panda Gali’ era under the Obote government. But the current situation is overwhelming, people are now being abducted from their homes, places of worship, and even bars,” Nuriat remarked.
She added that locating missing persons is difficult unless they are formally presented in court, which is often delayed deliberately.
Call for Justice
Nuriat urged Mukiibi and any candidate who wins the Kawempe North election to pressure the government to either release all political prisoners and abducted individuals or ensure they are produced in court without unnecessary delays.
Ten people are contesting for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat to replace the former legislator Muhammad Ssegirinya who died on January 9. The Electoral Commission has scheduled Thursday, March 13, polling date for both the parliamentary and local government by-elections.
