The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) umbrella association for all religious denominations has urged the Government to release National Unity Platform presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine and all suspects who were arrested with him in Luuka district on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the IRCU Chairperson Sheikh Shaban Mubaje, the religious leaders expressed their deep concern about the violent events that occurred in various parts of the country on Wednesday during and after the arrest of Kyagulanyi and his allies in Luuka.
“We call for the immediate release of all people who were arrested yesterday. In the event that they committed crimes, they should be presented to the courts of law as the law stipulates,” Mubaje said at the press conference.
With several protests and deadly happening in various urban towns, in areas of Kisekka, Kireka, Nasana among others and according to the IRCU, all these events could have been easily avoided.
“While we imagine the dilemma faced by the security agencies, we call for actions that honour the rights and dignity of all Ugandans irrespective of their political affiliations,” Mubaje added.
At least 16 people have so far been confirmed dead from the protests as police and the army opened fire to disperse the rioters. The IRCU said that the police and the Army have breached its code of conduct and urged them to ensure sanity.
“The army has breached Article 209 that states that the army will cooperate with civilian authority in emergency situations and in cases of a natural disaster like COVID-19,” Mubajje said.
“”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.” adds Mubajje in a statement.
Mubajje said that the violence undermines the electoral process and urged the Electoral Commission to step up and take charge.
By presstime, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi remains incarcerated at Nalufenya Police Station after over 30 hours in detention.
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