Ssenyonyi Urges Commonwealth to Press Uganda on Democracy and Rights

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Uganda’s Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has formally requested the Commonwealth to exert pressure on the Ugandan government to address critical issues concerning democracy, human rights, and the overall political climate.

Ssenyonyi conveyed these concerns during a meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who was on her inaugural official visit to Uganda. This discussion was particularly significant as Uganda’s political and human rights situation was placed on the agenda of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) earlier this year.

During the engagement, Ssenyonyi highlighted several electoral process concerns, including reports of malfunctioning biometric voter verification equipment and limitations placed on opposition campaign activities during the recent general elections. He emphasized that elections are comprehensive processes, and many questions surrounding the recent polls remain unresolved.

Furthermore, the LoP drew attention to the arrest and detention of opposition leaders and supporters, the disruption of political events, and alleged abductions, with some individuals’ whereabouts still unknown. He also raised issues regarding the suspension of certain civil society organizations and ongoing restrictions on political activities.

Ssenyonyi stressed that Uganda’s sovereignty should not be used as a shield to avoid its commitments under the Commonwealth Charter, which champions democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and good governance. He welcomed the Commonwealth’s dialogue with various actors as a means to assess and improve Uganda’s democratic standing and institutional strength.

In related discussions, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa called for enhanced cooperation between Uganda and the Commonwealth in areas like parliamentary accountability, trade, and education. Secretary-General Botchwey acknowledged the importance of a robust opposition and Uganda’s commitment to an open Parliament and proactive oversight, noting the positive participation of opposition members in parliamentary committees.

This report is based on information from the Daily Monitor.