Opposition legislators have resolved to boycott plenary sittings unless the government apologizes for the brutal security siege of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party headquarters on October 9, 2023. The decision follows a caucus opposition meeting Chaired by the Leader of the Opposition- LOP, Mathias Mpuuga at Parliament on Wednesday.
The agitated lawmakers reason that the Independence Day security siege by the police backed by the military was an insult and disrespect of democratic principles. Speaking to journalists at Parliament Wednesday afternoon, Mpuuga reiterated that representatives of the seven opposition political parties including the Forum for Democratic Change – FDC, Democratic Party-DP, People’s Progressive Party- PPP, Uganda People Congress – UPC, and Justice for Equity Movement- JEMA demand an apology from the government and a commitment to restrain security personnel never to repeat such an act.
According to Mpuuga, the Shadow Cabinet has notified the office of the Speaker of the emerging concerns, adding that if the government fails to respond to their demands, they will extend the boycott until the issues at hand are appropriately responded to by the Affairs Minister or the Prime Minister, the Head of Government Business in the House.
In his opening communication during plenary, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa confirmed receiving a letter from the LOP. He directed the Premier to make a formal statement in the House on the matter on Thursday.
On Independence Day, police backed by the army swiftly deployed outside the NUP premises in Kamwokya, a suburb of Kampala City. They also arrested 14 people including Lewis Rubongoya, the party’s Secretary General, and party Spokesperson, Joel Ssenyonyi, and Nakawa West Member of Parliament.
The NUP leaders and their supporters had convened at the party headquarters to conduct prayers for individuals they claimed were killed or arbitrarily arrested by security personnel before and during the 2021 general polls. The 14 suspects were detained at Kira Road Police Station and released in the evening without charges against them.
Later, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, explained that the arrests were made to prevent the incitement of violence. The arrest of the NUP members prompted the party leadership to call off nationwide tours that were set to resume on Tuesday led by the party president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine.
URN.