IYDU statement on Uganda
Posted:(May 05 2011)
News Update >>

IYDU STATEMENT ON UGANDA

"Nineteen countries in Sub-Saharan Africa will hold elections in 2011. In some the process will be transparent and democratic but in others, like Uganda, an underreported struggle for basic freedoms will continue.

In February of this year the Ugandan presidential elections, the second under a multi-party system, were marred by vote rigging, bribery and violence. President Museveni was returned with 68% of the vote and has pursued a zero tolerance policy toward political opposition since.

Over the last three weeks, demonstrations over the rising cost of living have left eight dead, including a two year old girl allegedly shot by Security Forces, more than 250 injured and 580 arrested. The Ugandan Human Rights Commission has reported that teargas has been fired into health centres, homes and schools and that live rounds are being used to disperse crowds.

Last week, opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, President of the Forum for Democratic Change (an IDU Observer Member), was physically attacked by Museveni's Security Forces and arrested for the fourth time since the demonstrations began. On this occasion the excessive force used against him led to his hospitalisation.

Whilst IYDU does not condone the violence that followed Dr Besigye's arrest, we strongly condemn the actions of the Ugandan authorities who have sought to end peaceful protest by violent means and intimidate the public in order to stifle the voice of opposition. Ugandan's must be allowed the right to protest peacefully and without fear of reprisal.

IYDU wishes Dr Besigye a full and speedy recovery, joins in his call for the opposition to remain non-violent in its protests and asks the international community to voice their support for the peaceful demonstrations that will follow."
 

5 May 2011