KAMPALA– The state Minister for Internal Affairs General David Muhoozi has called upon all Ugandans, Civil society Organizations actors and other key stakeholders, to support the government in organizing peaceful 2026 general elections.
While responding to the concerns of various Human Rights defenders about the shrinking civic space in the country and increasing cases of human rights violation especially ahead of 2026 elections, Muhoozi called upon Ugandans to play their part without shifting the blame to others.
“Many times, whenever they talk about the perpetrators of torture, it is taken to be government. In most cases such incidents are not planned, they are done by individuals who come from our communities.”
He also pointed out that most members of the security agencies who are said to have engaged in human rights violation acts, in most cases suffer from mental health related sickness.
“Some one brings his frustrations from some where else and shift to other people (victims) he come across in line of his duties. In security services, we need to look into mental health of our men in uniform and ability to perform their tasks.”
Dr. Kabumba Busingye, the Director Human Rights and Peace Center (HURIPEC), the key note speaker at the dialogue held on Thursday, in commemoration of the UN international day in support of torture survivors, expressed concern about how some government officials and elites have continued to normalize acts of human rights violation.
“Considering our country’s history and what is happening currently, having elections without violence in Uganda is an illusion. The commission of inquiry which was instituted to look into the human rights violation of 1962 and 1986, established shocking torture experiences that various Ugandans under went.”
That such revelations gave birth to a full chapter (Article 24 ) of the 1995 Constitution containing broad prohibition of torture as a measure to ensure that such acts don’t happen again in the Pearl of Africa.
Kabumba added that on top of the constitution, there are other separate laws like; the Human Rights Act, Prevention and prohibition of Torture Act which were enacted for a peaceful society, but unfortunately, their implementation level is still lacking.
Lady Justice Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), in her message delivered by Lamex Omara Apitta , Vowed to work with all stakeholders in ensuring that the forthcoming elections are held in a Peaceful manner in observance of all citizens’ rights.
“The media and CSOs, you have the mandate to spotlight where the dirt is, the security agencies have the tool of coercion, so use them to defend the powerless , not to instill fear among the population. To the Electoral body , the future of development of democracy in this country lies with strength and commitment you will have to provide a violence free elections.”
Julius Mucunguzi, the spokesperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, advised that in order for Uganda to have a peaceful 2026 Electoral process, there is need for everyone to treat each other with respect because we are all equal before the law.
“The Electoral Commission is participating in this dialogue to talk about violence in relation to the elections. Free , transparent and fair electoral process is the responsibility of every Ugandan. Elections are not a do or die affairs, elections are not a war period as some may take it to be.”
He further urged all politicians to always focus on promoting peace uniting the people rather than focusing on divisions.
Samuel Herbert Nsubuga, the Chairperson of Coalition against torture, called upon everyone to join efforts with others in promoting violence free elections.
The dialogue which was held at Golf Course Hotel Kampala, was held under a theme “A torture and violence free elections for all, by all”
The event which was organized by Uganda Human Rights Commission, African Centre for Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV) with other partners, attracted participants from Government Agencies, Security Agencies, Academia, Civil society Organizations, lawyers and members of the general public.
