Kabaka speaks out on human rights violation

Mpigi- The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has asked leaders at all levels to boldly speak out on human rights abuses meted out against citizens.
“We must be brave and avoid keeping silent about issues that affect our people and our areas. This is the only path that will drive us forward as a kingdom,” the Kabaka said, adding: “The leadership that will build a strong kingdom and Uganda as a whole must respect human rights, freedom of worship and culture. Our people must be given a chance to voice out their concerns and be able to shape their destiny.”
The Kabaka was addressing his subjects during the kingdom’s annual local governments day celebrations at Butoolo village, Mawokota County headquarters in Mpigi District at the weekend.
The Kabaka’s remarks come amidst increasing pressure from a section of the public and human rights defenders who have accused police of subjecting suspects to inhumane treatment while in detention.
Police reportedly torture suspects to extract confessions and information from them.

The latest victim is the mayor of Kamwenge Town council, Mr Godfrey Byamukama, who was arrested recently in connection with the killing of former police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi.
Mr Byamukama and a host of other suspects implicated in the recent killings of high profile people, including senior State Prosecutor Joan Kagenzi, government spy Muhammad Kiggundu and Muslim clerics, sustained wounds while in detention at Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja and the torture subjected to them may see some of them become disabled for the rest of their lives.
Last week, President Museveni, in a letter dated May 15, copied to the Chief of Defence Forces, the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of Intelligence Services , also condemned the manner in which suspects are handled while in police cells, adding that the use of torture to extract evidence from suspects was unnecessary and would interfere with the fight against crime. According to the 2015 Uganda Human Rights Commission report, police is still the leading human rights violator and responsible for 50 per cent of all reported cases.
Of the 760 cases registered by the commission, 385 were against the police.

The Kabaka also reminded leaders to put in more effort to improve the livelihood of the youth who form the bulk of Uganda’s population.
“Youth are the backbone of this future of our motherland, Buganda. We should unite to solve the country’s challenges,” he said.

The celebrations
Buganda Kingdom katikkiro (premior), Mr Charles Peter Mayiga, said the Kabaka celebrates the local governments day in the county (Ssaza) which wins the Ssaza competitions in the fields of good leadership and governance, environment protection, renovation of Ssaza headquarters, and management of land issues.
Mawokota County emerged as the 2017 winner and Buddu County became first runners up.
“We shall continue to have such competitions to enhance and improve service delivery in our communities. So, I appeal to you to embrace it through supporting all the kingdom activities,” he said.
The Buganda premier added: “Let’s engage in agriculture by starting at a youthful stage. For leadership that shall develop our kingdom should move with work, action, but not just mere words. If we fail to walk the talk, we’re likely to lose track.”
The celebrations were preceded with a number of activities, including a health camp where at least 1,312 patients were given free treatment, legal aid and sensitisation organised by African Fraternity for Justice, Peace and Development (AFROJPED), community service, tree planting (5,000 trees) at Nawandagi Forest Reserve, setting up sign posts to show land demarcations of the counties, among others.