An investigation was called for by the United Nations on Wednesday into allegations that “excessive force” was used by the Ugandan military during an attack on journalists who were reporting a prominent figure of the opposition who was filing a complaint outside the local office of the U.N’s human right watchdog.
It is believed that at least four journalists were subject to beatings during the incident outside the UN Right Office in capital, Kampala. According to witnesses, the journalists suffered head injuries when they were attacked by the military using batons.
The journalists were present at the location to report the filing of the complaint by Bobi Wine, who was second in the presidential elections held in January 2020. Wine cited in his complaint, allegations of the abuse of rights including abductions that took place during and post elections.
Wine said military police acted in “a very contemptuous manner” as they “descended on everyone they could land on and beat them without mercy.” Ugandan military spokeswoman Brig. Flavia Bekasi said on Twitter that the army “regrets that some journalists were injured as security carried out its duties.” The official results of the Presidential Elections which was held on 14th January 2020 which declares incumbent President Yoweri Museveni as the winner has been contested by Wine, who is a singer and lawmaker and real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu
“The U.N. calls on the Government to immediately investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” the U.N. statement said, noting that the behavior of Ugandan forces contravenes an agreement with authorities regarding the safety of U.N. premises, staff and guests. The U.N. statement said that its office would “immediately study” Wine’s allegations and would “take the appropriate actions.”
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is often credited with presiding over relative peace and security throughout his tenure. But last month’s election saw the most violence in recent years, with security forces accused of cracking down on Wine’s supporters. Some critics now charge that Museveni’s government is behaving like those of previous dictators, including Idi Amin. Uganda has been under the leadership of Museveni since 1986 and is often acknowledged with presiding over peace and security throughout his tenure. Last month’s elections saw the most violence in recent years with accusations being made that security forces were coming down on Wine’s supporters. Some critics even go to the extent of saying that Museveni’s government’s behavior is like those o previous dictators including Idi Amin.
Wine on Monday released a list of 243 people he said were abducted by state agents. Police have accused Wine´s supporters of planning riots aiming to topple Museveni and have arrested Wine multiple times. On Monday Wine released a list of names of 243 people who were abducted by state agents. Wine supporters have been accused by the Police of planning riots with the aim of toppling Museveni. Wine has been arrest on many occasions. The U.S. and the European Union have expressed concerns over Uganda´s election. U.S. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown recently referred to “deep and continuing concern about the extrajudicial detention of opposition political party members, the reported disappearance of several opposition supporters, and continued restrictions” imposed on Wine´s party.
