Kyadondo East legilstaor Robert Kyagulanyi has condemned the manner in which activists leaning towards the People Power movement are being abducted and tortured.
This follows the painful death of Michael Kalinda, commonly known as Zigy Wyne on Sunday. Preliminary reports indicate that Wyne, who has been missing for over three weeks succumbed to wound inflicted on him by security agents.
He died with a gorged eyes and missing fingers.
In a statement released on Monday, Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine says in the past three months, there have been several attacks on many of his friends and comrades.
These include Raphael Walugembe, Mukisa Joshua William, Ashburg Katto and Okot P’ Bitek Junior sustained grave injuries after being shot in Amolatar district by a UPDF soldier.
Others mentioned are Bashir Kazibwe, music promoters Andrew Mukasa (Bajjo) and Abbey Musinguzi (Abtex) as well as Ssebulime Rashid, , Kibalama Johnbosco whose whereabouts are not known, Lucky Bosmic Otim, as well as an LC 5 Councilor for Buvuma district, Lukoma Stephen Ssalongo who was shot dead.
“These are only few of the many supporters and comrades who have been victims of targeted attacks. We have received reports of people being arrested and detained for putting on either the red beret or t-shirts branded with our symbols or slogans,” Kyagulanyi says.
“Whenever we have activities such as attending court sessions or rallies, countless young people are brutalized, arrested and illegally detained in the various cells around the country. Many have reported being beaten up from police stations and asked to denounce People Power if they want to live.”
The singer turned politician also notes female activists who have been tortured to the extent of losing a uterus.
“…our friend and comrade, Nalongo Nana Mwafrika was manhandled by police officers, severely tortured, culminating in losing her uterus! Earlier, Justine Ssekandi, a female artiste who composed a song in support of our movement was abducted from Kamwokya, beaten to a pulp and dropped in the mortuary thinking she was dead – she spent several hours amongst dead bodies!,” he cries out before blaming authorities such as Uganda Human Rights Commission for not being helpful.
“As we draw towards the 2021 elections, it is apparent that President Museveni is determined to silence any form of dissent using extreme violence. Although he came to power castigating former presidents Milton Obote and Idi Amin of torture and extra-judicial killings of their opponents, he seems determined to out-do their record in terms of committing unspeakable atrocities against the wanainchi,” the legislator, who has voiced his intentions to stand for presidency in 2021 said.
“We call upon all peace loving citizens of the world to join us in condemning horrendous violations against innocent citizens in Uganda.”
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com