The ‘Peoples’ Government’, under Kizza Bsigye, together with Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have launched petition against President Museveni to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
While signing the petition on Tuesday at Plot 6, Katonga Road Nakasero, Besigye said Museveni together with his men have continuously violated human rights of citizens of Uganda and must be brought to book for all crimes he and his men have committed against Ugandans.
“The Junta and his men have continued to violate our rights as the opposition through the use of national apparatuses to torture us. Many people have disappeared, we have had people testifying about the safe houses where security personell have tortured them. Some will never even be normal again but the culprits have not been held by any law because they were working for Mr Museveni,” said Besigye.
Besigye has always insisted they have secretly investigated and documented the current government’s crimes against humanity such as genocide, wars, and crimes of aggression.
The Lord Mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago in support of Besigye said they also have investigated crimes such as murder, enslavement, extermination, deportations, imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberties, rape, sexual slavery, enforced disappearance of persons and other inhuman acts committed by Museveni’s government.
He added that such crimes have caused great suffering or serious bodily injuries and mental or physical health on many Ugandans.
“Our investigations and documentations clearly show suppression, torture and extrajudicial killing of Ugandans, especially those opposed to Mr Museveni’s regime and such actions include the massacre in Kasese, Acholi, Teso, Luwero Triangle, Lango and West Nile. This document also captures the invasion of Parliament by the forces in an attempt to abrogate the constitution in Dec 2017. MPs were violently beaten,” said Lukwago.
He added that his team has also investigated and document the use of state security apparatus and militia to attack, persecute, dehumanise, terrorise and humiliate Museveni opponents, Civil Society Organisations and journalists.
“These militias have also attempted to undertake any lawful and legitimate activities that include holding assemblies and rallies for purposes of disseminating information or advancing programs in line with their development agenda. Such attacks have been executed by established illegal paramilitary groups like the Special Force Command (SFC), Commando Unit, Local Defence Units, Kiboko Squad, Flying Squad, Wembley, Bodaboda 2010 and Crime Preventers that have wreaked havoc and terrorised citizens,” he added.
The petition needs two million signatures for it to be reviewed by the ICC so that they can start prosecuting Museveni. So far Besigye, Lukwago, Forum for Democratic Change national chairman Waswa Birigwa, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Betty Aol Ochan, Wafula Oguttu, FDC vice-chairperson western Roland Kaginda, and party mobiliser Ingrid Turinawe have signed on this petition, other top leaders in FDC all are expected to sign also.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
