President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hon Norbert Mao chairperson of a cabinet committee on human rights.
The committee has been tasked to among other look into the recent rise in cases of alleged kidnaps and abductions of people, mostly those leaning on the political opposition.
Hon Mao made the revelation on Tuesday at the 27th joint Government of Uganda – Development Access to Justice Annual Review at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
“Myself and the Attorney General have been asked to meet the security council over the increased reports of abductions and kidnaps” he said.
“We are going to reach out on all people with missing relatives or friends to give us more information about the disappearance of their people. Once we have got the details, we shall be presenting them before the Security Council.” Mao said
To achieve this, Mao says the committee will institute a human rights desk where all complainants of missing persons will be reported for response.
“Once it comes to our attention, we have the capacity to trace that person using our cameras… This issue shouldn’t be politicized because it is sensitive and touches people’s lives.”
Mao also noted that if it’s true there are abductions, these may be conducted by disgruntled people with in government with the view of tainting its good image.
The Attorney General Kiryowa, while commenting on the same issue reported that last year alone they prosecuted over 500 from both government and outside government for torturing people, after which serious action was taken against those found culpable.
“All people with missing persons should report to us for a proper follow up; we can’t act on allegations without facts. I can’t follow up on a case basing on rumours posted on social media.”
He added that government capacity to protect all its citizens by all means.
Bernard Oundo, the President for Uganda Law Society urged government to ensure that all its officers follow the law when it comes to arresting of citizens.
“The constitution is very clear that when you arrest someone, tell him/her the offence he has committed, secondly you must not hold him in detention beyond 48 hours, he should be given access to his lawyers and medical attention.”
Oudo further urged the law enforcement agencies to ensure that at least they arrest people after concluding all the required investigations.
