CAUTION AGAINST ILLEGAL POWER CONNECTIONS AND ATTACKS AGAINST PUBLIC OFFICIALS
It is essential to highlight the dangers and legal repercussions associated with illegal power connections. Such practices not only jeopardize personal safety, leading to potential electrocution and fires, but also compromise the safety of the entire community. Residents are urged to comply with legal electricity usage regulations to protect themselves and their neighbors.Recent events in the Busoga East Region underscore a troubling trend of community violence against government workers who are enforcing the law. The wanton behavior exhibited by some residents, who attacked police officers and other officials during operations against illegal electricity connections, is deeply concerning. This violence is not only an affront to the rule of law but also a misguided defense of illegal activities that pose significant risks to public safety.On August 17, 2024, police and Umeme staff from Iganga conducted operations targeting illegal electricity usage in Mayuge Town Council. Following the arrest of four suspects, including the primary offender, Matovu Iga, who connects unlawful users, local residents reacted violently. They blocked roads, vandalized vehicles, and assaulted police officers, all in defense of an illegality that endangers lives.Such attacks on government workers are unacceptable and should be condemned in the strongest terms. The community must recognize that these officials are acting in the public interest, and their safety is paramount. Engaging in violence against those enforcing the law only exacerbates the risks associated with illegal power connections and undermines efforts to maintain order and safety in the community.In a related incident in the Kiira Region, police are investigating the tragic electrocution of a 48-year-old woman, Nalugonda Hadija Isooba, who stepped on an illegally connected open electric wire while working in her garden. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal power connections, reinforcing the need for community compliance with electrical regulations.Yesterday (18 August 2024) at around 0900/c we registered a fatality when Birungi Agnes a female adult was electrocuted while hanging clothes on a wire at a verandah at her home in Kimwanyi Zone, Wandegeya Parish, Kawempe Division in Kampala City. She was rushed to Mulago hospital where she was pronounced dead.The recent violence against government workers and the tragic consequences of illegal power connections highlights the urgent need for community awareness and cooperation. Residents must reject violence and support lawful efforts to ensure safety and compliance. It is imperative for all community members to work together to uphold the law and protect one another from the dangers of illegal activities. Kituuma psc (U)ACP https://www.upf.go.ug/caution-against-illegal-power-connections-and-attacks-against-public-officials/
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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.
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