NUP Demands Justice and Accountability for Disappeared Ugandans, Urges Western Countries to Act
In a passionate plea for justice and accountability, Dr. Daniel Kawuma, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) diaspora team, has urged Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to address the issue of forcibly disappeared Ugandans and bring justice before the Ugandan people. The opposition has presented a list of seven demands in Parliament, aiming to tackle human rights violations without any excuses.
Among the demands put forth by the opposition is holding the perpetrators of the November 2020 killings accountable, ensuring justice for detained Muslims across the country, and addressing the cases of the 18 confirmed disappeared Ugandans. Additionally, they are calling for the immediate release of political prisoners and freedom for those held in the court martial. The opposition is also demanding the summoning of the Minister of Justice to Parliament to address the issue of detention without trial and to seek accountability for the military’s killings in fishing communities.
Of particular concern to the opposition is the victimization and targeted killings of Muslims, along with the arbitrary arrests of over 500 NUP supporters on baseless charges. Dr. Kawuma called on the Ugandan government to reveal the whereabouts of John Bosco Kibalama and others who went missing in 2019, acknowledging the anguish and desperate need for closure felt by their families.
Expressing his outrage, Dr. Kawuma criticized Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja for claiming knowledge of Kibalama’s whereabouts without any evidence or information after years of uncertainty. He further condemned the unjust detention of more than 30 National Unity Platform supporters, including Olivia Lutaaya, who have been held in military custody for nearly three years without a fair trial. Such actions, he emphasized, tarnish the principles of justice and fairness.
Dr. Kawuma also highlighted the perceived strategy of the Museveni regime to downplay forced disappearances as a means to silence political opponents. Vowing that such gross violations of human rights would not be tolerated, he demanded justice and accountability from the Museveni government.
In addition, Dr. Kawuma called upon Western countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, to ensure that their financial support to the Museveni regime is not contributing to the oppression of Ugandans. He expressed solidarity with the families of the disappeared, including the loved ones of John Bosco Kibalama, who was abducted on June 3, 2019, and has since remained missing.
Dr. Kawuma concluded his statement by assuring the Ugandan people that the fight for justice and the truth will persist until responsible parties are held accountable and the rights and freedoms of all Ugandans are upheld. The pain of the families of the disappeared is shared, and their battle for justice is a collective struggle.