The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission has issued summons to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP)John Martins Okoth Ochola to appear at their offices on May 4th , 2023 over alleged violation of human rights and freedoms.
In a statement released by the Commission Chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, she states that the Uganda police is acting contrary to Articles 221 and 23 of the constitution by frustrating peaceful assemblies.
Article 221 of the Ugandan Constitution requires the defence forces, the police force, the prisons service, all intelligence services and the National Security Council ‘to observe and respect human rights and freedoms in the performance of their function.
She explains that female Mp’s and their supporters have been attacked and teargassed by security officers while attempting to celebrate belated Women’s day in their constituencies.
Her summons follows the arrest and consequent release of eleven opposition on Wednesday after they staged protests outside Parliament while marching to deliver a petition to the Ministry of internal affairs.
“Whereas your attendance is required in response to allegations of violently stopping lawful gatherings and peaceful demonstrations Contrary to article 29 (a), (d), and (e) and article 221 of the constitution. YOU ARE by this SUMMONS required to appear before this Commission on the 4th day of May at 10:00 O’clock in the fore/afternoon to respond to the said allegations at the Commission Central Regional Office at Plot 55 Katalima Road, Naguru” reads a copy of the summons which has been duly received by the office of the IGP.
Wangadya had earlier urged the Uganda Police to halt unconstitutional acts witnessed while executing public order management and the Public Management Act.
She expressed concern that the police continue to violently disrupt lawful gatherings and peaceful demonstrations convened by elected leaders and other Ugandans.
She cites the Mityana and Buvuma incidents where police frustrates Women’s Day celebrations organized by District Woman Members of Parliament, Joyce Baagala Ntwatwa and Suzan Nakiziba. Their supporters were sprayed with tear gas and colored water after Police claimed they were illegally assembled. Several people were injured, and others were arrested.
The Police have over the years been accused of selectively enforcing the law on Public Order Management.
‘”We saw tear gas and pepper spray being thrown at them.And this Mp was in her constituency with her counterpart who was also in his constituency. What happened to them was illegal and high handed, we consider it contemptuous, ridicule and disrespect, We have lined up questions to put to him,” says Wangadeya
Wangadya said that following the events in Mityana, the Commission sought an explanation from the Police Force in a letter dated 2nd April 2023, but it has not received any response.
“Unfortunately, we have not received any response from the Police to our communication, an act we consider contemptuous. Instead, the Commission has taken note of other violent actions by the police including assaulting the Woman Member of Parliament for Buvuma, Hon Suzan Mugabi on 21st April 2023 together with the District Speaker Gad Daniel Onyango” reads the statement in part.