The African Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation of torture
victims (ACTV) has tasked the government to arrest all security personnel who used
excessive force in quelling last week’s city protests.
Samuel Herbert Nsubuga, the Executive Director ACTV, says the security
personnel should be prosecuted according to the relevant laws. He says that such
acts by security forces against unarmed civilians contravenes the laws of
Uganda and cannot go unpunished.
Protests broke out last week in different parts of the country following the
arrest and detention of National Unity Platform Party presidential candidate
Robert Kyagulanyi, and Patrick Amuriat of the Forum for Democratic Change.
Addressing a news conference on Monday at their offices in Kampala, Nsubuga
also reminded members of the public to responsibly exercise their rights while
holding demonstrations and avoid provoking security officers to avert likely
excessive use of force.
The torture and rehabilitation center is also asking those who were tortured to
report to its offices for assistance.
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The anti-torture activists are also concerned about the extent to which the men
in uniform have blatantly violated the right to freedom from torture, cruel,
inhumane and degrading treatment as provided for in the Constitution.
Esther Nabwire, the Programs Manager says the officers who had concealed their
faces will be identified and action taken against them.
Bukenya Fred
Guest