“We are working around the clock to find them”- Human rights commission breaks silence on missing persons

The Uganda Human Rights Commission has finally broken the silence on the number of Ugandans who have been missing for several days.

A number of Ugandans, especially supporters of opposition National Unity Platform have in the past few months been reported missing by relatives who accuse security operatives of allegedly kidnapping them.

The National Unity Platform recently said over 20 of their supporters including the party president, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine’s bodyguard, Jamshid Kavuma have been missing.

Addressing journalists on Monday, UHRC’s Crispin Kaheru said they have already started efforts to trace for the missing persons.

“We are working with state security agencies to locate these people. We are working with police, UPDF, CMI, prison, ISO and all other arms of security in this country to ensure we are able to successfully search and investigate these cases,”Kaheru said.

“We shall search for these cases and ultimately report back to Ugandans and most importantly to families the whereabouts of these people.”

Security agencies have been blamed over the manner in which the missing persons have been arrested but also spending several days incommunicado without being formally charged to courts of law as prescribed in the constitution.

Speaking on Monday, Uganda’s Human Rights Commission’s Kaheru said the commission takes the allegations very seriously and noted that they condemn arrests and detentions that are not conducted in line with the law.

“Those found guilty will pay such a heavy price. However, we urge country men and women to take note that not every arrest is abduction or kidnap as has been widely framed by some sections.”

Human rights day

According to UHRC, as part of celebrations to mark this year’s International human rights day, they have lined up a series of activities intended to mobilise, galvanize support and provide further information about observance and protection of human rights.

“The main celebration will be held at Nakawuka Playground, Kajansi Town Council in Wakiso district. The event will involve a psycho-social, legal camp where we together with different partners like Uganda Law Society, Refugee Law Project, African Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV), the Judiciary among others will be rendering their services free of charge to the people,”Kaheru said.

He added that on December, 9, they will hold a high level sexual gender based violence symposium at Sheraton Hotel which will also be part of the culmination of the 16 days of activism.