Amnesty International has called on the Ugandan government to release two opposition leaders in Uganda, Robert Kyagulanyi and Francis Zaake or charge them to court.
The two top politicians were arrested on August 14 during clashes between ruling party and opposition supporters at campaign rallies in Arua Municipality.
Robert Kyagulanyi was charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition at a general court martial in Gulu and remanded in military custody until 23 August.
However, Francis Zaake’s whereabouts are still unknown.
Robert Kyagulanyi’s driver, Yasin Kawuma, was killed during the clashes.
In a statement by its Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes, Joan Nyanyuki, Amnesty International called on the government to either charge the men to a regular court of free them if they did not have any case against them.
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“If there is sufficient evidence that Robert Kyagulanyi and Francis Zaake have committed a recognisable offence within the law, they must be promptly charged and tried in an ordinary civilian court that meets international standards of fair trial,” Amnesty International said.
It added that “The Ugandan authorities must not attempt to intimidate the opposition by dragging these MPs through the military court system, which does not have competence to try civilians…
“It is now more than 48 hours since these MPs were arrested and yet the whereabouts of Francis Zaake remains unknown, which strongly suggests the authorities are hiding something and not playing by the rules. Allegations of torture and other ill-treatment are extremely worrying and must be promptly investigated in a thorough, impartial and independent manner.”
