KAMPALA – The European Union delegation to Uganda has called for a swift investigation into the riots that broke off following the arrest of Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, leading to the death of over 50 people.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, 26 November 2020, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden as well as Iceland and Norway said the investigation is necessary so as to serve justice to victims of the dead and the injured.
“A full and independent investigation should be launched into the events of 18th and 19th of November, to ensure justice for victims and to avoid impunity for the perpetrators who must be held accountable for their actions,” the statement reads in part.
“The deaths of dozens of people amidst widespread violence marred the electoral campaign on 18th and 19th of November. We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the victims, who reportedly include innocent bystanders,” it adds.
See full statement below
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Joint local statement onthe election-related violence in Uganda
The Delegation of the European Union issues the following statement together with the diplomatic missions to Uganda of Austria, Belgium Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden as well as Iceland and Norway.
The deaths of dozens of people amidst widespread violence marred the electoral campaign on 18th and 19th of November. We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the victims, who reportedly include innocent bystanders.
Last week, Uganda witnessed rioting, chaos as well as disproportionate use of force by security services. The Government of Uganda and its institutions havethe responsibility to ensure the safety, security and dignified treatment of all citizens, including electoral candidates and their supporters, in line with national laws and Uganda’s international human rights commitments.
As we move forward in the electoral process, we urge all political parties and electoral candidates to call upon their supporters to refrain from violence and inflammatory language, and to take firm action to end any provocation or incitement to violence or any unlawful action. All political parties, candidates and their supporters should ensure the full implementation of the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures and the relevant regulations designed to curb the spread of the virus.
A full and independent investigation should be launched into the events of 18th and 19th of November, to ensure justice for victims and to avoid impunity for the perpetrators who must be held accountable for their actions.
