The Citizens’ Coalition For Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) has spoken out on the deaths of two People Power activists calling on police to exercise restraint.
CCEDU’s message is contained in a statement issued on Friday describing the deaths of Ritah Nabukenya and Dan Kyeyune as troubling.
“The Citizens’ Coalition For Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) is troubled by the death of Rita Nabukenya and another man that was shot dead by a Local Defence Unit officer who was travelling on a Police Patrol UP 2570. On Monday, February 24th 2020, Ugandans received the sad news of the passing of a young soul under unclear circumstances due to politics and on Tuesday 25th 2020 Ugandans received more news of a shooting of a People Power supporter by an LDU.,” the statement says in part.
It adds, “CCEDU appreciates the fact that political parties are organizing to participate in the 2021 elections, however, as much as political party actors should be seen to embrace the democratic values of tolerance and peace, the Police should also desist from promoting violence and intimidation among the electorate. Tolerance of diverse views, should be harnessed as an indicator of political maturity.”
Early this week, Nabukenya died after succumbing to injuries she sustained during an accident as she made her way to court to attend one of the hearings against the People Power head, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.
There are conflicting reports about what happened during the accident. CEDDU says Police is mandated by the constitution to protect civilian lives.
CCEDU has also called on the police leadership to meet with the People Power leaders over the matter adding that it is going to document all human rights abuses.
“The Police should be cognizant of the rights of the electorate, voters, political actors and supporters in a multi-party dispensation,” the statement says before adding, “CCEDU within the fraternity of Human Rights is going to document all violations against political actors and engage parliament, the Police; and in collaboration with lawyers also evoke the Human Rights enforcement Act to bring the implicated Policemen to book.”
