Government Investigating Allegations of Incommunicado Detentions

Government Chief Whip, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, has stated that authorities are looking into a list of people reportedly being held without access to legal counsel or communication. This comes in response to concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding the conduct of security agencies.

Legislators, including Hon. Paul Mwiru, have voiced their distress over specific cases, such as the disappearance of Baba TV journalist Eria Jjengo, who was allegedly taken from his workplace and has not been presented in court. The Uganda Journalists Association and Baba TV have previously called for investigations into Jjengo’s whereabouts.

Hon. Aceng revealed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs had previously requested the list of individuals from the Leader of the Opposition. Upon receiving these names, the Chief Whip forwarded them to the Ministry for further action and follow-up. She assured Parliament that any new cases, like the one concerning Eria Jjengo, would also be submitted to the ministry.

Second Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Crispus Kiyonga, pledged that the government would collaborate with concerned MPs to ascertain the facts and take necessary steps. Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth commended the government’s responsiveness, highlighting it as a positive example of executive-legislative engagement.

This commitment to investigate alleged incommunicado detentions signals a move towards greater accountability for security forces and protection of citizens’ rights.

Source: Parliament of Uganda