Today, 11th July 2024, the Uganda Police Force had an engagement meeting with the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership at Police Headquarters. It was a follow-up meeting to the one held on 27-th May 2024, during which several resolutions were agreed upon by both the UPF and NUP leadership regarding their consultative meetings.The Uganda Police Force halted the National Unity Platform’s consultative activities on 31st May 2024 following a fatal accident at St. Lawrence Maya, along the Kampala-Masaka highway, during their procession towards Masaka. The accident resulted in the death of three people and two serious injuries.Today, the meeting reviewed the CCTV footage of the 31-st May 2024 NUP procession from Kampala to Masaka and the following observations were made:There was overloading of vehicles and inconsiderate use of vehicles on the road (carrying passengers on vehicle rooftops).Over speeding and reckless driving posed a danger not only to the passengers but also to other road users.The motor vehicle, registration number UBH 691Q Toyota Hiace, involved in the fatal accident, was carrying extra passengers on the rooftops and was part of a convoy of rowdy NUP supporters covering the single carriageway. This vehicle collided with motorcycle riders of UFY 983T, UCG 381C, UFY 465Y, and UEJ 361D.The driver of motor vehicle UBH 691Q, Lule Fred, was arrested and appeared at Nsangi court on the following counts:a. Count I: Reckless driving c/s 108(3), (7), (g) and (d) of the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998 CAP 361.b. Count II, Count III, Count IV: Causing death through reckless driving c/s 108 (1) (7) (d) of the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998 CAP 361 as amended, resulting in the deaths of Ssekindu Victor, Ssezibwa Ismail, and Kasode Huseifa Muzafaru respectively.c. Count V: Using a motor vehicle on the road in a dangerous mechanical condition c/s 107 (1) (5) of the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998.d. Count VI: Failing to report an accident c/s 125 (1) (b)(8) of the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998.He was remanded to Mpigi Prisons.The drivers of the following motor vehicles were charged at Nsangi Police Station vide TSD03/03/06/2024 for several offenses, including dangerous driving c/s 108(7)(g) and 176 (1) (a) TRSA 1998 CAP 361. These drivers were declared wanted and are required to report to Nsangi Police Station as per the above-quoted reference. They include:UBF 701X Toyota Harrier, UBJ 398E Toyota Harrier, UAZ 435W Toyota Wish, UAW 701Q Toyota Hiace, UBL 516D Toyota Supercustom, UBE 195V Toyota Harrier, UBK 388K Toyota Noah, UBQ 839D Toyota Hilux, UAY 432Z Toyota Landcruiser, UBQ 080F Canter, UBJ 452B Toyota Premio, UAZ 316V Toyota Noah, UAJ 777T Toyota Prado, UDL 415V Toyota Hiace, UBE 423F Subaru Forester, UAV 289B Toyota Prado.In view of the above, and as a way forward, the meeting agreed on the following resolutions:1. Carrying people on motor vehicle rooftops must immediately stop.2. Carrying excess passengers in vehicles should also stop.3. Over speeding is an offense and must stop.4. Moving in a convoy of many motor vehicles and motorcycles from Kampala to upcountry locations is not allowed.5. Harassing or provoking security personnel while on their lawful duties must stop.6. Regulating traffic is the mandate of the traffic police, and all road users should comply with traffic regulations. Persons not mandated to regulate traffic must stop.7. The NUP leadership was urged to take responsibility and prevail over the conduct of their members; otherwise, they will be held responsible.Article 212 of the Constitution mandates the UPF, among other duties, to protect life and property. Also, section 32(1) (b) of the Police Act empowers the Police to direct the conduct of assemblies and processions on public roads or places of public resort.We appeal to the public to observe law and order at all times as a measure towards ensuring the safety of persons and their property. We shall continue to engage not only with NUP leadership but also with other political parties and organizations.ACP Nabakka S. ClaireD/PRO11th July 2024https://www.upf.go.ug/police-meets-national-unity-platform-nup-leadership/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum