Fast-rising politician and musician, Robert Kyagulanyi on Wednesday complemented by vocal lawyer and activist Andrew Karamagi condemned three-decade president Museveni’s human rights record, labelling Uganda a failed state.
Kyadondo East MP Bobi Wine, Andrew Karamagi and Safia Nalule were part of the panel, chaired by Alesi Maria, Program Assistant at Fredrich Ebert Stiftung Uganda that discussed human rights and democracy on day two of the Human Rights Convention held in Kampala.
The Human Rights Convention – launched in April 2017 – is an annual event organized by Chapter Four Uganda in partnership with civil society and development partners. The Convention connects 250+ key stakeholders from across all communities thus providing a platform of engagement for individual and collective reflection on emerging human rights issues to explore innovative approaches to emerging challenges to advance free, equal and justice societies
But Karamagi told Nalule that Ugandans “don’t expect a leader to come here and start lamenting”.
Karamagi further probed the state’s attempts of being present in matters where you least expect it and is barely mandated to; citing the IGP Kayihura and the army for the attack on Parliament.
Nalule Safia, the Vice Chairperson of Human Rights Committee of Parliament, challenged the organisers to invite the president for a clear reflection; citing the parliament’s efforts in human rights.
Bobi Wine further added salt to injury in quizzical on why human rights were observed when the president shows up; labelling that a “symptom” of a failed state
Bobi Wine further termed Uganda’s laws as ineffectual and impotent, self-serving and neglecting others.
“It’s a day-to-day reality that there are people whose rights matter more than others’. One person’s rights matter until a bigger person shows up,” said Bobi Wine sending the participants into laughter
On the Cuban doctors’ importation
Dr. Sylvia Tamale questioned Mr. Museveni’s controversial decision to import Cuban doctors categorizing it as one of political gimmicks.
“President’s decision to import Cuban Doctors, because Ugandan doctors were causing a crisis by striking for better pay, is very disturbing news. This undermines rights of Ugandan doctors to organise. All Ugandans should rally to support doctors” she said
