The Office of the Spokesperson for the United Nations (UN) Secretary General has called on security forces in Uganda to act in a manner that respects human rights and the principle of the rule of law.
The Office of the
Spokesperson for the United Nations (UN) Secretary General has called on security forces in Uganda to act in a manner that
respects human rights and the principle of the rule of law.
The call was made at
the daily press briefing by the office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary
General, Stephane Dujarric who was responding to questions from journalists in
regards to the riots in Kampala and other parts following the arrest of Presidential candidate
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
The riots left 3
People confirmed dead and 34 others injured according to Wednesdays report from
Uganda Police. Police is still battling protestors in and around Kampala on day two of the riots.
A Journalist at the Press conference asked how concerned the
Secretary‑General was about the developments
in Uganda especially the protests that appear to
be violently put down, with reports of people being shot by
security forces.
He also questioned if after 36 years in power, the office
of the Spokesperson of the UN Secretary General thought President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is
going to allow free and fair elections, especially without European
Union Election observers and without implementation of the electoral reforms.
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Dujarric says that the UN has
been following the situation in Uganda, and it is very important
that state institutions, particularly security forces, act in a manner that
respects human rights and the principle of the rule of law in for an inclusive
and broad participatory political and environmental process.
He says the UN will be following up more closely on the
latest
developments in Uganda, and it's important that all parties and
political actors and government leaders work in a way that will ensure a
peaceful election.
He adds thatpeople have a right to demonstrate
peacefully and any excessive use of force by security forces anywhere is of
concern to them as the UN, and it is important that there is space provided
for people to express themselves, whether in demonstration or through a
democratic process.
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Meanwhile,
the United States Embassy
in Kampala has condemned the electoral violence calling for the parties to reduce
on the tensions. “The United States deplores
the violence that has claimed multiple lives today, and we extend our sympathy
to the victims’ families and loved ones. We urge all parties to renounce
violence, undertake good-faith measures to reduce tensions, and respect fundamental
freedoms,” a statement from the embassy reads.
Members of the European Union in Uganda have meanwhile also raised concern over the electoral
violence. The Embassy of Sweden in Uganda has notified their Government about
the happenings in Uganda, according to Per Lindgarde, the Ambassador.
The European Union top
diplomat Josep Borrell Fontelles, who is also the Vice President of the EU commission,
has called on Government to ensure the safety of candidates and their
supporters.
Saddening loss of life in violent incidents in
Uganda. The Government must ensure the safety of all
election candidates and their supporters, whatever political affiliation.
Respect for democratic rights and rejection of violence is essential in wake of
elections. “Fontelles posted on his twitter handle.
Although the EU has
reportedly told its staff to work from home.
