Uphold Rule of Law, UHRC Tells Public and Security Agencies
In light of recent protests, the Uganda Human Rights Commission has called for the public to observe the rule of law. Crispin Kaheru, a UHRC member, highlighted the need for peaceful and lawful behavior in exercising human rights and urged security agencies to respect these rights.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has urged the general public to adhere to the law.
Crispin Kaheru, a member of the UHRC, made this appeal on Thursday, July 25, 2024. He also mentioned that the UHRC had received a petition regarding the arrest of several youths during Tuesday’s protest march to Parliament over corruption allegations.
The petition was delivered by representatives of the East African Generation Z, led by Thomas Bagonza and Alex Luwemba.
“We commend them for utilizing the available reporting mechanisms and pledge to address their petition with the urgency it deserves. We encourage the general public to remain law-abiding, responsible, and peaceful in exercising their constitutionally guaranteed human rights and freedoms,” Kaheru said.
The UHRC also called upon security agencies to adhere to their duty under Article 221 of the Constitution.
Article 221 stipulates that it is the duty of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, any other armed force established in Uganda, the Uganda Police Force, other police forces, the Uganda Prisons Service, all intelligence services, and the National Security Council to observe and respect human rights and freedoms in the performance of their functions.
“Article 29 of the Constitution of Uganda also addresses the right to peacefully and lawfully protest. Thus, both law enforcement and demonstrators have a duty to adhere to this constitutional mandate, ensuring their actions are lawful and aimed at fostering the greater national good,” Kaheru said.
“Accountability is crucial for all parties involved; each must be prepared to justify their actions and inactions,” he added.
Several youths were arrested and arraigned in court for participating in the anti-corruption march to Parliament.
On Thursday 25th July, 2024, President Yoweri Museveni released a statement congratulating the armed forces, the security forces, and ordinary citizens for foiling or not participating in what he described as a poorly planned demonstration.
“The evidence in court will shock many. The planners of these demonstrations intended to do very bad things. The charge by the Police of ‘idle and disorderly,’ I suspect, was used because the deployed personnel did not have all the information. This was a high-quality, intelligence-led operation. I have most of the information,” he said.
