Rights defenders condemn infringements on rights during protests

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Rights defenders condemn infringements on rights during protests
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A section of human rights defenders has expressed deep concern over ongoing human rights violations, including the lack of respect for suspects and prisoners and the controversial merging of the Uganda Police Force and Uganda People's Defence Forces.

These rights defenders are from The African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims and the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

The activists made these remarks while speaking to the media about the state of human rights in the country.

In a joint press briefing, led by Margaret Sekaggya, Executive Director of the Human Rights Centre Uganda, the rights activists condemned the infringements on human rights during recent protests against corruption by the youth.

Sekaggya said the human rights situation in Uganda still needs a lot of intervention because violations and abuses are generally on the increase.

"Many Ugandans, especially in the Northern region, are still affected by the impact of the rebel war occasioned by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), which resulted in 25 years of insurgency that led to displacements, forceful abduction, rape of women and girls, torture, and inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment in contravention of Chapter Four of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda," she said.

She urged the law enforcers to consider the application of a human rights-based approach.

"The Uganda Police Force should comply with international human rights standards, especially those relating to the management of public gatherings, assemblies, and free expression," she said.

She said law enforcers should consider the application of a Human Rights-Based Approach in the implementation or enforcement of all available laws.

"The government and other duty bearers should put in place mechanisms and avenues for addressing the emerging human rights issues and concerns in conformity with the standards established by the Constitution," she said.

The rights activists said parliament ought to stick to its constitutional mandate and to deliberate all matters and issues using a human rights-based lens.

"Members of Parliament ought to lead by example to promote the rule of law and good governance," said Sekaggya.

Commissioner of Police John Kamya urged citizens to always follow the law. He clarified that it is not illegal for a male officer to arrest a female suspect, addressing concerns about male officers arresting female suspects.

Lamex Omara Apitta, Commissioner at the Uganda Human Rights Commission, noted that the commission has the mandate to visit prisons but is currently more interested in the reported cases of violations.

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