Yesterday, the Assistant Leader of Opposition and Chairperson for the Members of Parliament in Buganda, Mohammed Muwanga Kivumbi, commanded his team to stand against ongoing harassment and imprisonment of opposition members and citizens. Frustrated by these actions, NUP members of parliament along with other opposition members, walked out of the parliamentary session.
They urged the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa Bangirana to instruct the Ministers of Security and Internal Affairs to clarify the government’s actions and treatment of citizens and opposition members. The opposition strongly criticized the government’s behavior, especially targeting opposition supporters and leaders during daylight hours. This has led to abductions and an increase in casualties and oppression with families unable to locate their loved ones who have been detained.
Despite political parties being officially registered and the constitution granting them the right to pursue their manifestos without hindrance, the police and armed forces have consistently resisted opposition parties in Uganda. The opposition expressed their dissatisfaction with this situation.
However, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa asked the opposition to give the ministers time to address their concerns, a suggestion met with resistance by Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi. He demanded immediate action or threatened the opposition’s departure from the house.
They matched out of the parliament building after the deputy speaker failed to provide a satisfactory explanation and resolution. This demonstration highlighted their frustration with what they perceive as the parliament and government’s oppressive actions towards them and their supporters, employing a heavy-handed approach.
Meanwhile the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba called for a meeting among the opposition to discuss their next steps regarding the government’s actions.
On Monday of this week, the National Unity Platform had organized a prayer event at their headquarters in Kamwokya to remember their fallen comrades. The police intervened, preventing the event and arresting key party members. This incident exacerbated tensions.
Additionally, police arrested the party president from the Entebbe International Airport without following proper procedures. Opposition supporters continue to face brutalization and imprisonment for their affiliations. Pundits suspect that disagreements within the FDC party were orchestrated by the government to tarnish the FDC’s reputation.
