Uganda’s opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has recently accused the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) of impartiality in handling his complaint against the government.
This accusation comes after the Commission dismissed a complaint filed by Bobi Wine in 2018 against the state for human rights abuses.
The Chairperson of the Commission, Mariam Wangadya, refused to entertain Bobi Wine’s preliminary submission, prompting the opposition leader to withdraw his complaint.
Bobi Wine expressed his disappointment with the Commission’s decision, stating that the lack of impartiality on the part of the Commission was evident in their handling of his case.
Bobi Wine’s complaint, filed in December 2018, detailed instances where security agencies in Uganda had blocked over 20 of his music concerts, confiscated his equipment, and denied individuals the right to earn a living based on his political affiliation.
The musician turned politician believed that the actions taken against him by the government were a violation of his constitutional rights.
During the recent engagement with the Commission, Bobi Wine reiterated his concerns about the lack of impartiality in the handling of his case.
He pointed out that the UHRC, which is tasked with protecting constitutional rights, was failing to uphold those rights in his situation.
Bobi Wine’s legal team also echoed his sentiments, highlighting the importance of fair treatment and justice for all individuals, regardless of their political affiliations.
Bobi Wine expressed his frustration and disappointment in the lack of action from the Commission on human rights violations in Uganda.
He questioned how complaints could take more than five years to be heard and criticized the Commission for not holding perpetrators accountable for atrocities committed against supporters of the National Unity Platform.
He detailed the numerous violations, including arbitrary arrests, killings, detentions without trial, torture, and enforced disappearances.
Wine highlighted the Commission’s inaction, going as far as accusing them of being complicit in the violations by not addressing the crimes committed by security agencies.
He pointed out the insensitive remarks made by the Commission’s leadership, further eroding their credibility and trust.
Wine concluded by expressing his disappointment in a Commission that was meant to protect rights and freedoms but has failed to do so, becoming instead a part of the problem in Uganda’s human rights crisis.
Bobi Wine, a prominent political figure in Uganda, recently expressed his frustration with the Uganda Human Rights Commission during a hearing of his complaint that had been filed five years ago.
He criticized the Commission for taking so long to address his complaint, describing the hearing as an attempt to cover up criminal activities and disregard for the law.
Bobi Wine went as far as to withdraw his complaint, stating that he believes the Commission is serving the interests of President Museveni’s regime rather than the people of Uganda.
This conflict between Bobi Wine and the Uganda Human Rights Commission is not new, as they have clashed before over the handling of NUP supporters who have been jailed.
In response to Bobi Wine’s accusations, the Chairperson of the Commission, Ms. Wangadya, defended the Commission’s actions and criticized Bobi Wine for his remarks.
The ongoing tensions between Bobi Wine and the Uganda Human Rights Commission highlight the challenges of political dissent and human rights in the country.
Wangadya continued to emphasize the Commission’s commitment to upholding human rights standards in Uganda, highlighting their thorough process of receiving, investigating, and condemning any violations that come to their attention.
She pointed out that even high-profile figures like Hon. Kyagulanyi have utilized the Human Rights Tribunal to seek justice for alleged abuses, with hearings currently in progress.
Wangadya firmly stated that the Commission and herself have never condoned or endorsed criminal acts or human rights abuses against any individual, including members of the NUP party.
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