MPs eulogise fallen rights boss
Chief Justice Bart Katureebe (centre) with late Med Kaggwa (right) during celebrations to mark the Human Rights Day at Railway Grounds in Kampala in December last year. PHOTO BY KELVIN ATUHAIRE
Members of Parliament have eulogised the deceased chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Med Kaggwa, for doing his work diligently.
Kaggwa was pronounced dead at Case Hospital yesterday after collapsing in his car while driving to work.
Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga said Kaggwa’s services will be greatly missed.
“He always delivered his reports within the statutory period; he has been a special rapporteur on prisons and conditions of detentions for the African Human Rights Commission,” Ms Kadaga said.
She added: “He has been a distinguished personality in the country; represented Kawempe South; he was also at the East African Legislative Assembly; he also served as minister for the Presidency.”
The Speaker described the deceased as “a big advocate for the human rights.”
Fight against illegal detention
Other legislators described the fallen human rights boss as a diligent officer. Kampala Central MP Mohammad Nsereko (Ind) said Kaggwa’s advocacy against illegal detention centre will always be remembered.
“He will be remembered for his participation in the closure of the Nalufenya detention centre but also in the new legislation that slaps full culpability on a police officer or any person who abuses the rights of a suspect during law enforcement,” Mr Nsereko said.
Robert Kyagulanyi, Kyadondo East. “I am very saddened by the passing of Med Kaggwa. During the Arua ordeal, Kaggwa visited me in military detention and told the world what was going on. He did his best under very difficult circumstances to promote human rights.”
Pentagon Kamusiime, Butemba County. “He has been a man of his word, a social, jolly, responsible and incorruptible gentleman who has managed to hold onto his responsibilities in the different capacities. I think he should be accorded a State funeral.”
Ibrahim Kasozi, Makindye East. “He has managed to execute his duties impartially and on many fronts, he has condemned acts of police brutality and related forms of human rights abuse.”
Allan Ssewanyana, Makindye West. “As the Opposition, he has always given us an opportunity to speak about the gross human rights abuses. Unfortunately, he has left behind a backlog since most of his reports have not been acted on as required.”
Kaggwa was laid to rest today in Mpigi District.
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