Religious leaders under their umbrella, Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) have called for the immediate release of Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi famously known as Bobi Wine
Bobi Wine was arrested on Wednesday and accused of violating COVID-19 guidelines.
Religious leaders also condemned the human rights violations committed by security agencies.
At a news conference on Thursday, the IRCU leader Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje said that Bobi Wine and Amuriat should be presented to the courts of law as the law stipulates, if indeed they committed any offences.
“It is incumbent upon us to express our concern in the current political injustices in the country and to provide guidance especially in such critical period in our country.
“We are deeply concerned of the violent events that occurred in our country where the whole word witnessed brutal arrests of political candidates; Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi and Hon. Amuriat Oboi.”
Mubajje called upon the Electoral Commission and the various security organs to adhere to the human rights principals enshrined in the national objectives and practices while being law abiding and following our national constitution.
“We noted with concern that the police were in breach of the COVID-19 SOPs and of Article 21(3) that stipulates that the police shall be patriotic, professional, disciplined, competent and productive,” he said.
He said that army has breached Article 209 that states that the army will cooperate with civilian authority in emergency situations and in cases of natural disaster like COVID-19.
While we imagine the dilemma faced by the security agencies, Mubajje called for actions that honour the rights and dignity of all Ugandans irrespective of their political affiliations.
“We urge all men and women in uniform to uphold the Ugandan constitution and all relevant laws and ought to treat all citizens of Uganda fairly and equally irrespective of their political affiliation,” he said.
“We call for the immediate release of all people who were arrested. In the event that they committed crimes, they should be presented to the courts of law as the law stipulates,” he added
He said article 61 of the constitution mandates the Electoral Commission to ensure free and fair elections.
As religious leaders, they expect the EC to take charge of the electoral process including the security arrangements of all political candidates and ensure an enabling environment.
“We have noted with concern increasing cases of violence across the country that threaten to undermine the integrity and fairness of our elections. We have witnessed candidates being blocked from accessing campaigns venue, media houses among others,” he said.
