America calls on Uganda authorities to release Besigye from detention

The US Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has called on the authorities in that country to release opposition leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye from detention and to allow him to move freely.

Dr. Besigye has been arrested and kept in detention several times before and after the elections, which incumbent Yoweri Musuveni won with some 60 per cent votes. Dr. Besigye got some 38 per cent of the votes.

In a statement issued in Kampala on the Uganda elections, the Embassy wrote: “We note that Dr. Besigye who has been under near continuous police detention since the February 18 election, has not been charged with any crime, and was denied his constitutional right to participate in the February 18 elections.”

The Embassy further called upon the Uganda authorities to cease and desist from any further harassment or intimidation of members of the opposition, such as the reported arrests of FDC party agents.

“Officials of all parties, including the opposition, must be allowed to provide their leadership with polling data collected during the vote, free from intimidation or threat of detention, in accordance with international norms and the principles of a democratic society,” the statement said.

They Embassy indicated that it is also deeply concerned by the Electoral Commission’s delay in releasing polling data, adding that “this, along with Dr. Besigye’s detention and arrest of party agents, has inhibited citizens’ ability to verify vote tallies and potentially challenge the election results in court within the constitutionally mandated ten-day period.”

The Embassy stated its expectation of the Ugandan authorities to uphold the rights of all of their citizens, regardless of political affiliation, and allow the opposition to play a legitimate role in the country’s politics.

“We further expect all parties to refrain from actions or rhetoric that may lead to violence and to resolve their disputes peacefully,” it adds.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi