The leader of Opposition [LoP] in Parliament Ms Betty Aol Ocan (L) and the Government Spokesperson Mr Ofwono Opondo
“Uganda is slipping back to the times when human rights abuses in form of torture and killings were high and a common practice. Torture is currently being meted on everyone, legislators are being attacked, the citizens are not being spared,” Ms Aol said.
Speaking to Journalists at her residence in Gulu Town on Monday, Mr Aol said the current spate of torture being executed by elite government soldiers are clear signals things are “getting out of hands”.
Her remarks follow the recent arrest and alleged torture of four opposition legislators and 29 other opposition activists and their supporters early last month in Arua Municipality a day to the Arua Municipality by-election.
Kyadondo East legislator Mr Robert Kyagulanyi alias, Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake, Jinja Municipality East Paul Mwiru, Arua Municipality MP Kassiano Wadri and Ntungamo Municipality MP Gerald Karuhanga and their supporters where later charged with treason for allegedly throwing a stone at the president’s car.
Six people have since been shot dead, scores injured in demonstrations around Kampala and other areas as Army took over leadership in quelling major unrest since the August 18 Arua Municipality fracas.
“Ugandans should not look on as they face such unfair treatment from their government, we need to rise up to regain the freedom,” Ms Aol said.
Ms Aol also lashed at the Government Spokesperson Mr Ofwono Opondo for what he says were mockery statements on the health of Mr Kyagulanyi and Zaake.
“Mr Kyagulanyi and Zaake are in pain, they were tortured by the soldiers, but Mr Opondo instead says they are faking their illnesses. That’s is wrong, Mr Opondo will one day be faced with such. He is mortal like any other human being,” Ms Aol said.
She also castigated government forces on their renewed assault on the locals occupying the contentious Apaa village in Itirikwa Sub County Adjumani District even before the committee appointed could give back their reports to president Museveni.
A 24-year-old woman was late last month tortured by Uganda People’s Defence Army Soldiers and Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers while they headed to a market in Gaji.
“What is the essence of the president meeting with local leaders in Acholi and Madi then after we witness torture on the locals in Apaa? The president has made commitments and given out options which are yet to be submitted back to him.”
Late last month, President Museveni met with a section of cultural, religious, political and security officials from Adjumani and Amuru District in a bid to find lasting solution on the conflict between the two communities over Apaa land.
Whereas local leaders and residents in Amuru and Adjumani District claim ownership of the land, Uganda Wildlife Authority and National Forestry authority claims the land is gazetted East Madi Wildlife Reserve and Zoka central forest respectively.