The Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has threatened to sue individual Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers accused of torturing Ugandans, noting that the army Command has not taken seriously complaints brought against its officers.
“I want you to educate me how I can initiate proceedings against soldiers either in Court Martial or elsewhere for violating human rights of the people of Uganda. I have serious intentions of several cases for flouting human rights not only Arua but in Namayingo,” Kadaga said
The Speaker made the remarks Tuesday during the launch of the Uganda Law Society quarterly Rule of Law Report at Serena Hotel in Kampala where she tasked the UPDF Officer in charge of Human Rights Brig. Charles Wacha to explain why UPDF is taking long to bring to book individual security officers who tortured MPs and other civilians during the Arua Municipality By-elections and residents along fishing communities.
“The brutality meted against civilians in the fishing industry has gone unabated because they have sent the complaints to UPDF Command and nothing has been done. I want to know how to initiate proceedings,” Kadaga added.
The Speaker’s remarks follow recent visits in Buvuma, Buyende and Nakasongola where UPDF Marines Forces are accused of torturing the people living on the Islands.
The Speaker noted that despite several efforts of sending reports to the UPDF Command and have the culprits punished, her requests have been met with deaf ears.
In response, Wacha assured the legal fraternity that all UPDF soldiers who tortured people during Arua Municipality by-elections will be soon be arraigned before the General Court Martial, noting that this would be in the Force’s best interest as UPDF’s image has been tainted badly and redeeming this image will not be easy after several people were beaten, tortured and maimed during the fracas.
Recently Kadaga asked President Yoweri Museveni to bring to book all officers accused of torturing MPs and Ugandans during the Arua fracas, but the President responded saying he can do away with Parliament.
