CSOs decry Amama, Besigye arrest
Ms Irene Ovonji Odida, the executive director of Fida, and the chairperson of Human Rights Network Uganda John Mary Odoi, address journalists in Kampala yesterday. PHOTO BY AMOS NGWOMOYA
Kampala- Government must stop oppressing people who are exercising their constitutional right to assembly and association, civil society organisations have said.
Addressing a press conference in Kampala yesterday, human rights bodies under their umbrella body, Human Rights Network Uganda (Hurinet), expressed dissatisfaction about how two presidential hopefuls Amama Mbabazi and Kizza Besigye and their supporters were arrested last week in what police described as the violation of the Public Order Management Act (POMA).
The chairman of Hurinet, Mr John Mary Odoi, said the police action of stopping lawful assemblies is unconstitutional and a disregard of the rule of law.
“The blocking and prevention of citizens, political aspirants and party candidates from consulting the public as part of preparations for party primaries and 2016 general election is uncalled for,” Mr Odoi said.
He said the restrictions under the disguise of POMA contravenes the principles of constitutionalism and undermines the obligation of State as regards its commitment to adhere to human rights principles and values laid in the regional and international instruments.
Mr Mbabazi was intercepted last Thursday in Jinja while on his way to Mbale District while Dr Besigye was arrested in Kasangati, on the outskirts of Kampala, as he was planning to launch his campaign manifesto.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said Mr Mbabazi was arrested for disobeying lawful orders according to Section 117 of the Penal Code Act.
