Opposition political parties have joined forces in a show of solidarity, vowing to stand firm against what they described as continued attacks on opposition groups and ordinary citizens by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces.
The parties that met at Katonga Road were: People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), the National Unity Platform (NUP), the Common Man’s Party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), the Democratic Front (DF), and the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).
Addressing a joint press briefing, ANT national coordinator Alice Alaso strongly condemned what she called growing human rights abuses in the country, including abductions, illegal arrests and torture.
Alaso also criticised the recent arrest of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. She warned that attempts by African leaders to impose their sons as successors had often failed.
“Former leaders such as Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe all attempted to position their sons as successors, but things did not go as planned for them,” Alaso said.
She urged Ugandans to remain vigilant as reports of arrests and alleged torture continue to emerge.
NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya said the country was experiencing a worrying rise in brutality and human rights violations.
“The situation will not end until all Ugandans stand together and say enough is enough. No one is safe until everyone is safe,” Rubongoya said.
He also criticised those who continue to praise Gen Muhoozi despite allegations of abuses.
“It is unfortunate that some people celebrate these actions. What is happening affects every Ugandan,” he said.
Rubongoya called upon religious leaders, musicians and other influential members of society to show solidarity with victims of alleged human rights violations.
UPC president Jimmy Akena also expressed concern over Gen Muhoozi’s conduct, questioning whether someone accused of presiding over human rights abuses could credibly seek the country’s highest office.
“People must be free in their own country and live without fear,” Akena said.
Meanwhile, PFF vice-president Dr Lulume Bayigga alleged that Lukwago was subjected to severe torture while in detention.
Bayigga claimed that Lukwago was mistreated and given food whose safety and quality could not be verified.
The opposition leaders pledged to continue working together to challenge what they described as increasing political repression and violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.
