Kampala, (UG):- The Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine has demanded that President Museveni is solely to blame for the November 18, 2020 riots which resulted in the devastating loss of over 50 lives and scores injured in the process.
Kyagulanyi, who was speaking to relatives of the victims at the annual commemoration of the massacre on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the NUP Head offices in Kampala publicly stated he bears no responsibility for the deaths of his supporters but the head of state is to blame.
“It is not our fault that your people were killed. It is not us that killed them; it is President Museveni,” Bobi Wine told the grieving families and supporters on the afternoon. “These people were killed for just coming out to exercise their constitutional right to protest against injustice,” he added.
The former Presidential candidate vowed that the NUP will continue fighting tirelessly for justice and ensuring accountability for the lives lost, echoing the sentiments of the grieving families.
“We have gathered here today to tell Gen. Museveni that we shall not stop. We are not going to give up. We are going to fight on until the cause for which these people died is realised,” he declared, in a voice filled with conviction.
Bobi Wine consoled the bereaved families saying that their loved ones’ deaths were not in vain. “Whereas we cannot fill the void, we believe a day will come when these families will acknowledge that their people did not die in vain,” he said, urging his supporters to take steps to ensure such killings never recur.
“I want us to wake up to reality. We must put an end to this to ensure that there will never be a commemoration of another mass murder like this.”
Survivors share ordeal
Some of the survivors of the November 2020 riots shared their harrowing experiences during the poignant commemoration, painting a vivid picture of the chaos and devastation that unfolded.
Ms Yasiin Zubeda, who lost her leg, recounted being shot twice in her left leg. Due to delayed medical attention, her leg couldn’t be saved, and her life was forever altered.
Bashir Mugule shared his story of losing an eye, while Abu Kiyaka recounted being shot in the head and falling into a coma, miraculously surviving the ordeal.
Rev. Fr. Angelo Okwairoth led the prayers, praising the NUP’s unity and calling for peace. The event brought together NUP leaders, survivors, families of victims, and supporters from across the country, united in their quest for justice and accountability.
Ms. Hajjara Nakitto, mother of Amos Ssegawa, who was killed near the Cornerstone building, demanded justice, her voice cracking with emotion. “I will continue to support NUP because it has been there for us through the pain we are going through. Let the government be held accountable for the pain we have in our hearts.” Her words resonated deeply with the gathering, a testament to the unwavering resolve of those seeking justice.
The NUP provided food relief, including matooke and rice, to relatives of victims and those still imprisoned. This heartfelt gesture aimed to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the riots, demonstrating the party’s commitment to supporting those in need.
About the November 2020 Riots
The killings, which occurred on 18th November 2020, followed mass protests demanding the arrest of Kyagulanyi in Luuka, where he had gone on a campaign trail in the presidential elections.
Although official figures state about 54 people fatalities were recorded in the riots, NUP claims approximately 150 people were killed during the unrest which painted a dark picture on the country’s capital, Kampala.
Four years later, relatives of the victims continue to seek justice for the loss of their beloved ones, with some expressing frustration that President Museveni’s promises to hold accountable those responsible and provide compensation have remained unfulfilled.
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