PRESS RELEASE
The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) condemns the continued use of preventive arrests and excessive force by the Uganda Police Force against persons seeking to exercise their freedoms of expression, association and assembly.
In particular, FHRI is concerned about the wanton use of force, teargas and live bullets against Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and his supporters that occurred yesterday 16th November 2015. These practices are demeaning, degrading and run counter to the principles of good policing. FHRI strongly condemns the acts that led to the shooting of Delta TV journalist Isaac Kugonza and the injuring of city councillor Mariam Kizito during this incident.
The continued use of preventive arrest and excessive force against opposition activists does not augur well with the existing constitutional order. Whereas the police are mandated to maintain law and order, it must desist from acts that continue to fuel conflict and unrest, and stifle democratic activities.
FHRI urges the Uganda Police Force to exercise restraint and adopt crowd-control methods that are proportionate to the situation. More importantly, the police should protect all persons irrespective of their political persuasion in order to guarantee an environment conducive to the exercise of political freedoms during this election period.
FHRI calls upon the government to investigate and prosecute all errant officers engaged in endless attacks against journalists, political activists and other persons seeking to exercises their freedoms of expression, association and assembly.
Dr Livingstone Sewanyana
Executive Director
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Foundation For Human Rights Initiative (FHRI)
P.O. Box 11027 Kampala
Plot 1853 Block 15 Lulume Road, Nsambya
Tel: 256-414-510263,510498, 510276
Fax: 256-414-510498
Email: fhri@dmail.ug
Website: www.fhri.or.ug
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