By Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-01-30 14:21:48
Relatives of the 18 missing supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) recently gathered outside the High Court civil division in Kampala, demanding the immediate release of their loved ones. The majority of the missing individuals are women and children, and their relatives argue that the continued detention of their people by government agents is unlawful, illegal, and a violation of their fundamental human rights enshrined in the constitution.
The missing individuals include John Bosco Kibalama, John Damulira, Shafik Wangolo, Martin Lukwago, Michael Semudu, Musisi Mbowa, Vincent Nalumoso, Dennis Zimbula, Muhammad Kanatta, George Katumba, Moses Mbabazi, Yuda Ssempijja, Alphat Mugumya, Peter Kitya, Mustapha Muwemba, Hassan Mubiru, Isma Ssesaazi, and Godfrey Kisembo. Their relatives have expressed their distress at the lack of information regarding the whereabouts of the missing individuals, who were arrested by security agents from different places and have neither been produced in court nor charged with any lawful offense.
The relatives’ legal representatives argue that the government’s conduct is a flagrant violation of their human rights obligations to uphold and promote their fundamental human rights and freedoms. They are seeking compensation for the breach of their constitutional rights and an order for damages and punitive demands.
The court records indicate that the missing persons were arrested, detained, and their places of detention remain unknown to date. The relatives have used all reasonable means to access them to no avail, and key government institutions such as the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Human Rights Commission have failed to account for their whereabouts.
The wives of the missing individuals have spoken out, sharing their experiences of receiving little to no information from law enforcement regarding the status of the investigations into their husbands’ disappearances. They emphasize the distress and uncertainty they have faced, with conflicting reports and lack of accountability from government officials.
The National Unity Platform has been actively supporting the relatives of the missing individuals, with the leader of the opposition in parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, expressing his belief that there is no doubt that these people were abducted by the government. The case is set to be heard in court, with the Attorney General summoned to put forth the government’s defense to the allegations within 21 days. The hearing is scheduled for April 8, 2024, and the Uganda Human Rights Commission has also been involved in efforts to address the issue of missing persons in the country.
The struggle for justice and answers continues, as the relatives seek closure and accountability for the disappearance of their loved ones.
