Government officials lead tributes for late Minister Sarah Mateke
Government officials have led heartfelt tributes for the late State Minister for Defence, Sarah Mateke, who passed away on Saturday.The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, described her as a humble and dedicated servant of the nation. “In her, we have lost a humble and committed servant of our country,” Among stated.State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga, mourned the loss of a “dear colleague and close friend.”He praised her dedication to her role in supporting Uganda’s defense forces and veterans, calling it an inspiration to all.“May her legacy of service and commitment to our country continue to inspire us, and may she rest in eternal peace,” Kabbyanga added.Minister for Justice, Norbert Mao, expressed his sorrow over her death, saying, “Death is really big-headed! I’m very sorry. We have lost a bright and promising light whose full radiance we were yet to see. May her soul rest in peace.”Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, announced that the national organizing committee would meet with the deceased’s family and collaborate with the Ministry of Defence to arrange a dignified send-off. She added that a full burial program would be issued soon.Speaker Anita Among noted that after holding discussions with Ministry of Defence officials and family representatives, a joint organizing committee has been formed.“Consultations are being made with the family and other stakeholders before a detailed programme is issued. In our usual spirit, I urge us all to stand with the family and her loved ones to give her a decent send-off,” she said.Sarah Mateke, who also served as the Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro, passed away at the age of 50. Born in 1974 in Chahi Subcounty, Kisoro District, Mateke was known as a devoted politician, educationist, and philanthropist.She first served as the Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament from 2011 to 2016 and was re-elected in 2021.President Museveni appointed her as the Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs. In a recent cabinet reshuffle, she was appointed State Minister for Defence.Mateke was the daughter of former Dr. Philemon Mateke. Her death marks a significant loss to the nation, with many remembering her dedication and service to Uganda.https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/government-officials-lead-tributes-for-late-minister-sarah-mateke/
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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