Image: @irc_uganda
The Inter-religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has issued a statement on the current electoral violence in Uganda that led to several people being killed and others injured.
The group on Thursday called for the immediate release of those arrested during the violent clashes, including Robert Kyagulanyi, a musician and opposition politician who is seeking the presidency in next year’s election.
Protests began on Wednesday, when the NUP leader was arrested in Luuka district for reportedly violating Covid-19 measures at his electoral campaigns, which require presidential candidates to address less 200 people.
Condemning the rights violations committed by security agencies, IRCU urged “all men and women in uniform to uphold the Ugandan constitution and all relevant laws” and “to treat all citizens of Uganda fairly and equally irrespective of their political affiliation.”
Full Statement:
“It is is incumbent upon us to express our concern in the current political injustices in the country and to provide guidance especially in such critical period in our country.
We are deeply concerned of the violent events that occurred in our country yesterday (18 Nov.) where the whole word witnessed brutal arrests of political candidates; Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi and Hon.Amuriat Oboi.
We call upon the electoral commission and the various security organs to adhere to the human rights principals enshrined in the national objectives and practices while being law abiding and following our national constitution.
We noted with concern that the police were in breach of the COVID-19 SOPs and of Article 21(3) that stipulates that the police shall be patriotic, professional, disciplined, competent and productive.
The army has breached Article 209 that states that the army will cooperate with civilian authority in emergency situations and in cases of natural disaster like COVID-19.
While we imagine the dilemma faced by the security agencies, we call for actions that honor the rights and dignity of all Ugandans irrespective of their political affiliations.
We urge all men and women in uniform to uphold the Ugandan constitution and all relevant laws and ought to treat all citizens of Uganda fairly and equally irrespective of their political affiliation.
We call for the immediate release of all people who were arrested (during the protest). In the event that they committed crimes, they should be presented to the courts of law as the law stipulates.
Article 61 of the constitution mandates the electoral commission to ensure free and fair elections. As religious leaders, we expect the EC to take charge of the electoral process including the security arrangements of all political candidates and ensure an enabling environment
We have noted with concern increasing cases of violence across the country that threaten to undermine the integrity and fairness of our elections. We have witnessed candidates being blocked from accessing campaigns venue, media houses among others”.
