By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has strongly condemned the continued arrest of civilians by the military, accusing security agencies of trampling on citizens’ civil and civic rights.
Robert Centenary, the FDC vice chairperson for Western Uganda, challenged the government and security operatives to follow due process instead of arbitrarily detaining people.
“If any of them has committed a felony or an offense, let the right procedure be followed rather than just picking up people, bundling them, and subjecting them to inhuman and degrading actions,” Centenary said.
His remarks come amid growing reports of arbitrary arrests targeting opposition supporters, particularly members of the National Unity Platform (NUP), many of whom have allegedly been taken to unknown detention facilities.
While sympathizing with NUP, Centenary urged security personnel to uphold their oath of service.
“As we go into this election period, I implore government and also warn the men and women in uniform that Uganda is not ending today. Respect the oath you took when you were issued that uniform. It is a public uniform, utilize it for the welfare of citizens,” he added.
Centenary also criticized what he called the partisan use of security forces. He cited last week’s submission of signatures for NRM candidate Yoweri Museveni at the Electoral Commission, where police and the military openly escorted supporters despite EC guidelines prohibiting processions.
FDC demanded equal protection for all political actors and cautioned the government against using state institutions to undermine multiparty politics.
“The very government that opened up political space for multiparty politics should not be the one abducting leaders and members of other parties. We condemn this in the strongest possible terms,” FDC said.
According to the party, the absence of meaningful electoral reforms has emboldened security agencies to act with impunity. They urged the Electoral Commission not to remain silent but to rein in unlawful conduct.
However, police defended its actions. Addressing a security conference at police headquarters in Naguru on Monday, spokesperson Kituma Rusoke insisted that officers are empowered by law to arrest suspects regardless of attire.
“A police officer may arrest you whether in uniform or not. The fact that the officer is not in uniform does not invalidate the arrest,” Rusoke said. “What matters most is whether the arrest was lawful, humane, and where the suspect was taken afterward.”
