KAMPALA – Supporters by The United Nations in Uganda has condemned the brutality meted out against journalists and people who had accompanied Robert Kyagulanyi as the NUP president delivered a petitioned to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) in Kampala.
Several journalists and NUP supporters, some of whom included Members of Parliament, were brutalised by Military Police as they approached the offices in Kololo, Kampala, on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
The UN, in a statement, said this behaviour contravenes the agreement with the Government of Uganda regarding the safety and security of UN premises, personnel and guests as well as national and international commitments.
“The Republic of Uganda is a member of the United Nations and has conveyed in the past its commitment to peace, justice, human rights and development. The UN calls on the Government to immediately investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” the UN said.
The army only allowed Kyagulanyi accompanied by five party officials to hand over a petition on alleged human rights violations that marred the electoral process, to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) Representative in Uganda, Mr. Robert Kotchani at his office in Kampala.
The UN has promised to investigate the human rights violations during the electoral process.
“In accordance with established procedures, OHCHR will immediately study these allegations and take the appropriate actions. The United Nations Resident Coordinator will share copies of this petition with the host government and United Nations Headquarters. The United Nations in Uganda wishes to recognize that the Uganda Police Force Very Important Persons Protection Unit (VVIPU) abided by established procedures which enabled the NUP leadership to have a peaceful meeting at the OHCHR office in Kampala,” the UN said.
