Church condemns Kyaligonza's act

Executive secretary, Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) Constantine Mbonabingi (L) addressing the press as the deputy executive secretary finance and administration, Daniel Musiitwa looks on. Photo by Godiver Asege

VIOLENCE|RELIGION

KAMPALA - The Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) has condemned the act of Maj. Gen. Matayo Kyaligonza and his team noting that his conduct is not a true reflection of what the nation is.

They said they were not happy with the act of violence against women and children including the recent one perpetrated against Sgt. Esther Namaganda, a female police officer.

It is alleged that Gen. Kyaligonza, the Uganda's Ambassador to Burundi and his security detail assaulted a police officer while on duty in Mukono district last weekend.

Rev. Constantine Mbonabingi, UJCC executive secretary, said the acts affect the nation's tireless efforts to combat all forms discrimination and violation of women's rights to promote gender equality.

"UJCC agrees with the Speaker of Parliament that the conduct was unacceptable and the Church calls on Maj. Gen. Kyaligonza to apologise to Sgt. Namaganda, the Police, women and to all Ugandans for behaving disgracefully," he said.

This was sounded during a press conference on the call to combat violence against women and children in Uganda on Friday at the UJCC head offices in Nsambya, a Kampala suburb.

Mbonabingi also applauded the actions taken by the Police and army to arrest the suspected body guards and the on-going investigations.

"Impunity of any kind is equally unacceptable. We look forward to appropriate action being taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with all relevant bodies of government  on the conduct of the said Ambassador," he advised.

UJCC deputy executive secretary, finance and administration, Dr Daniel Musiitwa said the church greatly appreciate the vigilance and cooperation of the public. "This brought the matter to light so that the victim could receive necessary support and justice," he said.

Musiitwa also asked government to issue a comprehensive statement on the violence against women and children to reassure the population that these concerns are addressed.

"Children and women have been kidnapped on their way from school and at home. It is not clear whether the kidnappings are being carried out by an organized criminal gang. The problem is huge and the population waits for a lasting solution as soon as possible," he said.

He added that UJCC strongly condemns all acts of violence being perpetrated against children including kidnaps, killing, child sacrifice and other forms of human rights abuses and violations.

"There is need to strengthen the investigative arms of the police and to equip prosecutors with the resources they need in order to speed up the investigations and prosecution of suspects," he said.