By Aggrey Baba
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Nakawa West MP, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, has raised his voice over what he described as a disturbing pattern of impunity by state officials, warning that such behavior threatens the very foundation of Uganda’s constitutional democracy.
While addressing the plenary session on Tuesday, where Parliament as Parliament debated the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, Ssenyonyi emphasized Parliament’s duty as a guardian of the Constitution.
“This Parliament passes laws and serves as a custodian of the Constitution and the laws enacted under its authority,” Ssenyonyi stated, calling for lawmakers to reflect deeply on the implications of the legislation they are debating.
In a visibly frustrated tone, Ssenyonyi raised the issue of arbitrary arrests and disappearances, pointing to a recent incident involving Edward Ssebufu (Eddie Mutwe), body guard of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).
“On the 27th of April, a gentleman known as Eddie Mutwe was abducted from Mukono and went missing for several days,” he said.
Ssenyonyi recounted efforts to report the disappearance to authorities, only to be met with indifference and denial.
“When we attempted to file the matter, the police claimed they did not know him, and the police spokesperson stated they had no knowledge of his whereabouts,” he told Parliament.
The opposition leader questioned whether Uganda still adhered to the principle of equality before the law, enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination.
“The government needs to help us understand that there are individuals to whom Article 21 of the Constitution does not apply,” he quipped, implying that some people enjoy immunity from legal scrutiny due to their political or security connections.
The UPDF Amendment Bill currently under debate seeks to redefine the role of the military in internal security operations, among other changes.
Critics argue that the amendments could legitimize further military involvement in civilian affairs, deepening fears of militarization and the erosion of civil liberties.
Ssenyonyi’s remarks have sparked renewed interest in the fate of several opposition supporters who have allegedly been detained incommunicado in recent months, with rights groups accusing the government of using security agencies to stifle dissent. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
