The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has warned that Uganda might repeat the mistakes of November 2020 bloodshed, and or experience mass protests like what recently happened in Tanzania if security forces doesn’t desist from excessive force against opposition politicians during campaigns.
Mayiga’s remarks come in the wake of recent clashes in Lira City, Kazo, and Mbarara, where several supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) were brutally arrested and detained under unclear circumstances.
Among those arrested is Olivia Lutaaya, a well-known political activist, who appeared in court today and was remanded on charges of parading military drills. Lutaaya was added to the same charge sheet with Eddie Mutwe, Waiswa Mufumbiro, and others. Another group arrested in Mbarara has also appeared before court for the mention of their charges.
Mayiga noted that unlike the 2021 general elections which were marred by widespread violence and loss of lives, the current campaign period has so far been largely peaceful.
However, he expressed concern over recent incidents of violence reported in parts of Lango and Ankole, where clashes between security forces and civilians were recorded.
“I saw security forces stripping a young girl and manhandling men during arrests,” Mayiga said. “I do not know whether the victims had committed grave crimes like murder or robbery to warrant such excessive force. But the law enjoins security forces to respect the dignity and rights of an accused person, even during an arrest.”
He cautioned that Uganda must not descend into the kind of chaos witnessed elsewhere in the region.
“We shouldn’t experience what happened in Tanzania, where over 2,000 people were reportedly killed,” he added.
The premiere called for calm and respect for human rights as Uganda during the campaign period, and urged political candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and maintain peace throughout the campaign period. According to Katikkiro, mutual respect is key to credible and peaceful elections.
He also reminded security agencies of their constitutional duty to protect citizens without violating their rights, particularly in this politically charged season.
“I urge all candidates and their supporters to respect each other and to work towards peaceful elections. Similarly, I urge security forces to be mindful of the law and the rights of citizens,” Mayiga emphasized.
