NRM wants urgent probe into police's brutal quelling of riots

Nov 20, 2020

Lumumba called upon the police leadership to urgently investigate its officers with a view of bringing them to book.

#UGDecides2020|POLICE|RIOTS

KAMPALA - The National Resistance Movement Party wants the police leadership to urgently investigate officers who are reported to have used excessive force during this week's quelling down of riots. 

In a statement issued by the Party's Secretary General, Justine Kasule Lumumba on Friday (November 20, 2020), she notes, "There have been unfortunate reports of police officers using excessive force in bringing down the riots and thereafter restoring law and order."

"As a result, several people have died, while others have been injured. I call upon the police leadership to urgently investigate these officers with a view of bringing them to book." 

She notes that it is true that the Government has a Cardinal duty and obligation to protect citizens by ensuring the safety of their lives and property. "But, in enforcing this mandate, State organs are enjoined to use reasonable force." 

Lumumba has also sent a message of condolence to all families who lost their loved ones, and a message of pity to all those who were injured or lost their property in the riots. 

At least 30 people were killed in various parts of the country and 80 others injured according to police and other reports in various parts of the country; following protests against the arrest of National Unity Platform's Robert Kyagulanyi and Forum for Democratic Change's Patrick Amuriat. 

Kyagulanyi, who is in the race for the President's seat, was arrested on Wednesday; on allegations of having breached guidelines for the COVID-19 on his campaign rally, in Luuka district on Wednesday. 

In Kampala alone, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango says 16 people were killed in riots, and that 65 were injured. 

The 16 people, as reported by police, were delivered dead at Mulago's mortuary. 

But other reports show that other people died after admission in various hospitals in and out of Kampala city. 

There is also a score of other people, who are not admitted at Mulago but were injured in riots that rocked various towns around the country and Kampala city.

She assured the country and the affected people and families that the NRM will continue to ensure there is law and order and that their property and lives are protected. 

Lumumba appeals to political rivals   

She also calls upon all the other Party Presidential Candidates, to follow the COVID-19 guidelines set to manage campaigns. 

She adds, "I challenge all the Presidential candidates and leaders of political parties to provide responsive leadership and ensure that Ugandans remain safe and protected from the global pandemic. A Presidential Candidate must lead by example." 

Castigated rioters 

Lumumba says that it was wrong for the rioters to attack the NRM people and those who donned yellow cloths. 

She also notes that it was wrong for the rioters to attack the court in Wobulenzi. 

"The rioters also vandalized public installations, looted businesses, markets and manned illegal roadblocks from where they extorted money from motorists before they allowed them to pass. Some Government registered motor vehicles were vandalized, including that of a senior judicial officer." 

Lumumba also notes that it was wrong for rioters to attack police officers; armed and unarmed. 

She adds, "While the NRM recognises the right to freedom of expression including to the right to belong to political parties, and peaceful demonstrations, it condemns in strongest terms, the criminal rioting and impunity orchestrated by supporters of two Presidential candidates, who were arrested for flouting campaign guidelines." 

She re-iterated that human rights cannot be enjoyed exclusively, at the expense of, or in violation of the human rights of others. 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});