By Mulengera Reporters
A group of U. S. Senators who are also members of the very influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which scrutinizes the conduct of foreign govts, have finally pronounced themselves on the situation in Uganda. The five powerful Senators strongly warning Ugandan authorities are Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). According to Senator Chris Croon’s press office, the 5 Senators want the govt of Uganda to stop the mistreatment of its political opponents. They also make specific reference to the wounding MPs Bobi Wine & Francis Zzake during the Arua fracas. And they blame all this to failure by President Museveni’s govt to respect the independence of Parliament. They also condemn harassment that journalists endured as they covered Bobi Wine demonstrations in Kampala and other parts of Uganda. The tone of the Senator’s statement, as released by Senator Chris Coon’s office, isn’t any different from that reflected in earlier condemnation statement by the EU Parliament. The Senators also caution the Ugandan govt not to dare torture Kyagulanyi, Zzake or any other MP or even ordinary Ugandan again. To ensure this is sanctioned in case it happens again, the Senators will be closely monitoring the way govt treats Bobi as he returns home on Thursday tomorrow.
THE SENATORS’ VERBATIM;
“As members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, we are gravely concerned about the continued deterioration of democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in Uganda. The actions of the Government of Uganda towards its critics—protesters, opposition supporters, and parliamentarians like Members of Parliament Frances Zaake and Robert Kyangulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine—are unacceptable. Likewise, we are extremely troubled by the beating and arrest of journalists during these events, and by reports that foreign correspondents are being denied accreditation to work in Uganda. “We call upon the Ugandan authorities to conduct a credible investigation into the murder of Yasin Kawuma, and into the reports of beatings, torture, and the use of lethal force on civilians by security forces during the Arua Municipality by-election campaign and subsequent protests, and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. It is critical to Uganda’s democracy that Parliament is respected as an independent institution of the government, and that Members of Parliament can execute their mandate without threat or interference. We strongly urge President Museveni and the Ugandan Government to adhere to the rule of law, and respect freedom of expression, press, and assembly granted by the country’s constitution. As Bobi Wine and Francis Zaake return to Uganda after medical treatment, we will closely monitor their situation, and that of those who face charges alongside them.” www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/
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