United States Embassy in Uganda has strongly condemned the arrest of over 90 peaceful protesters by Ugandan authorities. The protesters, who took to the streets on Tuesday, were demonstrating against corruption in the country. The US Embassy emphasized that the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental to any democracy and urged the Ugandan government to uphold these rights.
US Embassy Statement
In a statement released on Friday, the US Embassy expressed deep concern over the arrests, stressing the importance of fair hearings for all those detained, as enshrined in the Ugandan constitution. The Embassy commended the media for their role in keeping the public informed during the protests.
“The United States is concerned by the recent arrests of over 90 Ugandan citizens peacefully demonstrating against corruption and commends the courage of the media to ensure the Ugandan public stays informed. Under the Ugandan constitution, anyone detained has the right to a fair hearing and safe treatment, and we urge that any allegations of individuals assaulted in detention be investigated and perpetrators be held accountable,” the statement read.
President Museveni’s Response
The Embassy’s statement came a day after President Yoweri Museveni addressed the nation, condemning the protests and alleging that the demonstrations were influenced by foreign entities with ulterior motives. Museveni claimed that the protests were planned with the intention of causing harm to Ugandan citizens and were funded by external sources meddling in the internal affairs of Africa.
“Some of the authors and participants of the demonstrations were planning very bad things against the people of Uganda. Those very bad things will come out in court when those arrested are being tried. It is possible, that some of the participants, did not know of the planned foreign funding and the planned bad things,” President Museveni stated.
Museveni reiterated his stance against foreign interference, asserting that Uganda is not a neo-colony susceptible to external manipulation. He congratulated the armed forces, security personnel, and citizens who refrained from joining the anti-corruption march to Parliament on Tuesday, July 23.
Call for Accountability
The US Embassy’s statement highlights the international community’s growing concern over the treatment of peaceful protesters and the broader implications for democratic freedoms in Uganda. The Embassy’s call for fair hearings and accountability underscores the necessity for transparent judicial processes and the protection of human rights.
As the situation develops, the world watches closely, anticipating the outcomes of the legal proceedings against the arrested protesters and the Ugandan government’s response to calls for greater transparency and adherence to constitutional rights.
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