Source: Amnesty International –
Ugandan security forces targeted members and supporters of the opposition party National Unity Platform (NUP) with lethal force, arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment before, during and after the 15 January general elections, Amnesty International said today.
The organization received multiple reports indicating that between 15 and 18 January, the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force likely killed at least 16 people across the country using unlawful force. They also arbitrarily arrested hundreds, subjected some to incommunicado detention or held them in unknown places of detention. Others were subjected to forms of ill-treatment, including acts that amount to torture, during arrests and while in detention. These violations occurred amid a nationwide Internet shutdown imposed by the authorities just two days before the elections.
“Three months since security forces meted out untold brutality on the public, no one has been held accountable,” said Tigere Chagutah Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
“Ugandan authorities must ensure that that all allegations of human rights violations by the security forces are thoroughly, promptly, impartially and effectively investigated and that the officers responsible are held accountable.”
“Officers suspected of carrying out these abuses, including those who ordered or enabled them, must be suspended from work pending the completion of investigations.”
Between 5 January and 21 March, Amnesty International interviewed 33 men and 15 women based in Kampala city, Rubaga, Luwero, Bulenga, Mityana, Mukono, Rukiga, Mbarara, Luuka, Wakiso, Lira and, Tororo districts and Busoga region.
Three months since security forces meted out untold brutality on the public, no one has been held accountable.
Tigere Chagutah, Regional Director, Amnesty ESARO
Those interviewed included families of victims apparently killed by security forces; victims of gunshot injuries; victims of torture and other ill-treatment; victims of arbitrary arrests; eyewitnesses; and lawyers of those arbitrarily arrested. Amnesty International also reviewed six videos and six photos posted on social media or shared directly with the organization by trusted sources. The organization also reviewed charge sheets and official statements.
Ugandan authorities did not respond to Amnesty’s request for comment.