Opposition Leader Demands Emergency Parliament Session Amid Rights Abuse Concerns

The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, is pushing for an extraordinary parliamentary session to confront a perceived surge in human rights violations and the erosion of law and order by security forces. In a letter dated June 17, Ssenyonyi urged Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth to reconvene the House to discuss critical issues including alleged abductions, arbitrary arrests, and unlawful detentions.

Ssenyonyi highlighted concerns stemming from recent actions, specifically referencing those of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which he believes challenge constitutional governance and fundamental human rights. He pointed to previous discussions on the floor of Parliament where the Vice President had directed the Minister for Security to provide a statement on similar matters, noting that the violations appear to be ongoing and intensifying.

This call for an emergency sitting comes in the wake of the arrest of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Lukwago was apprehended by security operatives from his home and taken to an undisclosed location. Gen Muhoozi later made remarks on social media regarding the arrest, which critics found demeaning.

Ssenyonyi emphasized that Lukwago’s situation is not an isolated incident, citing a pattern of alleged mistreatment of opposition figures and supporters. He expressed concern that delaying parliamentary intervention until the scheduled resumption on July 7 could permit further unchecked abuses, thereby eroding public trust in the legal system and governance.

Among other missing individuals, Ssenyonyi named several National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who he claims are being held incommunicado, subjected to torture, or possibly killed. He also referenced the earlier case of Eddie Mutwe, bodyguard to NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, whose prolonged detention and subsequent court appearance in frail condition drew significant public attention. Ssenyonyi criticized Gen Muhoozi for engaging in partisan politics while in military uniform, urging him to resign if he wishes to pursue political ambitions.

As of now, Parliament has not issued a public response regarding the request for a special sitting. Mr. Lukwago has since been arraigned in court and charged with misprision of a felony.