News
- by Rose Sakala – Liberal International Human Rights Committee Representative and Africa Liberal Network Vice President, Southern Africa
Date: 7 January 2020
Release: Immediate
The Africa Liberal Network (ALN) is repulsed by the gross violation of the Uganda Constitution by it’s incumbent Head of State, President Yoweri Museveni. Museveni assumed office in 1986 and has ruled Ugandans for the past 34 years in dictatorship. Throughout his regime term, the state’s Constitution and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance has been violated with no warning to the dictator by domestic state institutions aimed to protect democracy and the rule of law.
On Monday 6 January 2020, Museveni’s police arrested and detained Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, together with other People Power leaders and supporters, on their way to attend a Consultative public meeting with citizens of Uganda, ahead of the General Election inclusive of the Presidential elections scheduled for next year 2021.
The Africa Liberal Network observes the detainment as unjustified, considering that Uganda’s 2015 Presidential Election Act, accommodates for presidential aspirants to carry out “nationwide consultation” in the 12 months ahead of their official nomination as candidates. Bobi Wine is a contender of Uganda’s 2021 Presidential Elections.
Not only does the Network observe Museveni’s violation of the Uganda Constitution and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, we also denounce the violation of people’s sovereignty and certainly the human rights and people’s choice of assembly and association.
We call on regional and international organisations like the AU and SADC, to committ to the promotion of human rights and democracy, by denouncing acts opposing democracy and the freedom of citizens. Together with our global federation, Liberal International, we will be escalating Museveni’s violations to the United Nations Human Rights Council, through our representation on the Liberal International Human Rights Committee, which reports directly to the UN. Further the network will seek support, on behalf of Uganda, with the European Parliament.
The network remains committed to promoting liberal governance and we stand for values and principles of good governance. We respect human rights, democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development for all persons on the African continent.
Media Enquiries
Rose Sakala
Liberal International Human Rights Committee Representative
Africa Liberal Network Vice President, Southern Africa
