UPDF to investigate soldiers hired to terrorize opponents

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT  |  Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF has promised to investigate circumstances under, which some civilians hired soldiers to terrorize citizens and their opponents.  

A delegation led by Brigadier Felix Kulayigye, who represented the Chief of Defense Forces, UPDF Spokesperson Flavia Byekwaso and Godard Busingye, the UPDF Chief of Legal Affairs made the pledge while appearing before the Human Rights committee of parliament, which is probing electoral violence.  

The Committee Vice-Chairperson, Agnes Taaka Wejuli told the delegation that they had received several complaints against the army including excessive use of force, disruption of rallies, arbitrary arrests and detention in military facilities.

She tasked the team to also explain under what circumstances civilians are tried in the court-martial and address the complaints of abductions and beatings. 

The committee also tasked the army to explain how soldiers ended up being used by private individuals in elections. They cited Brigadier Tom Tumuhairwe, who was implicated for getting involved in the Mayuga polls. 

However, Kulayigye said the Mayuge district LC V Chairperson, Omar Bongo was the one who tried to use the military in the elections.

James Baba, the Koboko MP said that two rivals procured soldiers and it was chaos in Mayuge. Kulayigye said some of them were errors, which will be rectified.

Otuke Woman MP, Silvia Akello said that several candidates got soldiers through District Police Commanders  and Resident District Commissioners (RDC’S) among others. 

Lucy Akello, the Amuru Woman MP, says in several parts of the country, the use of the Army was evident. She said that unfortunately, the issue kept going on and on.

Kulayigye on his part said that the Army will take keen interest in the cases listed and investigate them. 

The committee also took over the team on the assault of journalists who went to cover the National Unity Platform Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu while delivering his petition to the Office of the UN Human Rights in Kololo. 

Kulayigye said the beating of journalists was regrettable and those responsible have been dealt with.

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URN