Opposition Leader of Parliament Mathias Mpuuga addressed the house, presenting a rejoinder statement that outlined crucial demands aimed at addressing human rights violations and justice issues in the country.
Mpuuga began by emphasizing the need for an independent judicial commission of inquiry to handle cases related to missing persons. He stressed that the commission, ideally headed by a high court judge, should be both authoritative and financially supported to ensure its efficacy in addressing a range of human rights violations.
“There are dozens of political prisoners languishing in custody on charges that the state has deliberately failed to conclude due to inadequate evidence. Olivia Lutaaya, and dozens of opposition NUP party supporters are still facing off with the court martial despite a 2O21 constitutional court ruling that annulled such trials,” Mpuuga said during the sitting chaired by Speaker, Anita Among, on Tuesday 5 December 2023.
Furthermore, Mpuuga called for a select committee within parliament to tackle issues such as defilement, rape, property destruction, murders, unjustified arrests, and the illegal closure of landing sites in fishing communities. This move aims to streamline the legislative process for addressing these sensitive matters and ensuring justice is served.
A significant demand from the Opposition Leader was the unconditional release of all political prisoners, particularly those detained under what he termed “subversive and non-existent laws.” Additionally, Mpuuga highlighted the plight of numerous inmates on remand without trial, revealing that a staggering 360,422 individuals were detained beyond the legal time frame.
The Opposition Leader also pressed for the compensation of individuals affected during the November 2020 riots and those whose human rights were violated. This call for redress seeks to acknowledge the hardships endured by victims during politically charged events.
The Minister of Information, Communications Technology, and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, asserted that the government would not establish such a commission. Baryomunsi argued that the current systems, including the Human Rights Commission, are equipped to handle these matters.
“Our request is that if leaders of the opposition can undertake to help in providing information and if there are other areas of dissatisfaction, the Human Rights Commission and other security agencies will address these,” he stated.
In response to these demands, the Speaker of Parliament outlined several resolutions. Firstly, a commitment to privately review all videos presented by the opposition depicting human rights violations. The Speaker also directed the Deputy Attorney General, Jackson Rwakafuuzi, to consult with the judiciary on the status of prisoners held without trial. Rwakafuuzi pledged to correspond with key judicial figures to expedite the examination of such cases.
Regarding compensation, the Speaker assured the Opposition Leader that individuals affected were being compensated, and the Attorney General’s office would provide a detailed list. Furthermore, on the issue of handling rape cases, the Speaker resolved that the parliament’s Human Rights Committee would collaborate with a select group of MPs appointed to address these matters.
However, the proposed independent judicial commission of inquiry was met with concerns over cost. The Speaker suggested that the existing Human Rights Commission, previously tasked with investigating missing persons, would handle the matter under strict parliamentary guidelines. Failure to meet these standards could result in the dismissal of commission staff, allowing the President to appoint new members.
The Speaker concluded by assuring the Opposition Leader that she would inform President Museveni of the discussed matters and provide a response in due course. The developments in parliament indicate a collective effort to address pressing human rights concerns and ensure justice for those affected.
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