Experts have called for the redress of all victims of torture or their dependents following President Yoweri Museveni’s statement on human rights abuses in Uganda.
Crispin Kaheru an independent elections expert asked that justice for victims of torture should be fast-tracked, and such criminal acts of torture should stop.
Kaheru said Museveni’s message on human rights during his national security briefing was timely.
He said that Uganda has gone through a period where civil and political rights have been put to a test, especially during the 2021 general elections.
He noted that there have been incidents of torture, abductions, and murders over the past period. “Elements within the security circles have been accused for some of these. Many times, these criminal acts have instilled unnecessary fear within the public and in some cases, lives have been lost,” Kaheru said.
He said that it is good that the President has come out to account and send a strong warning to the perpetrators of these criminal actions.
He commended the President for realising how a checkered human rights record could affect the legitimacy and image of the Government.
“It all boils down to individual responsibility. It is my hope that after the President’s statement, the redress of all victims of torture (or their dependents) will be fast tracked and those criminal acts will stop. We should not get entrapped in a situation where justice is delayed or denied,” Kaheru said.
“I hope the President’s remarks also open up a fresh chapter for Ugandans to dialogue, heal and forge a way forward, together,” Kaheru added.
