US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Cory Booker have called on the US government to take administrative action against the Ugandan government over violations of the civic rights of opposition members.
In a statement, Shaheen and Booker said the recent general election in Uganda was a travesty of an electoral process that should have otherwise been free and fair.
“Uganda’s January 15th election was another blow to the pursuit of democracy in the country. Unfortunately, these elections mirrored previous electoral contests in Uganda, where the playing field was skewed, and the results were decided well before the actual vote,” read part of the statement.
The senators cited the harassment and attacks on journalists, the detention of opposition figures, and the teargassing of members of the public who took to the streets to protest the conduct of the election.
They also pointed out the shutdown of the internet during the Uganda general election, saying it undermined the rights of Ugandan citizens.
“We have seen attacks on journalists, the jailing of opposition figures, the tear gassing of citizens assembling peacefully, reported abductions of opposition members and candidates, and reports of violence by security forces in the weeks and months leading up to these elections. The last-minute internet blackout throughout the country further undermined Ugandan citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, enshrined in the country’s constitution,” the statement further read.
The duo also raised concerns over the prolonged detention of Kizza Besigye and threats advanced towards opposition figures.
“We are particularly concerned by Ugandan Minister of Defense Kainerugaba’s continued threats against opposition figures, including Bobi Wine. It is imperative that opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and human rights activist Dr. Sarah Bireete are released from jail immediately, and the operating permits for civil society organizations are restored. Ugandan authorities must uphold their obligations to democracy, transparency, human rights, and dignity for their fellow citizens,” they stated.
The two senators called on the US government to intervene and hold to account the leaders who violated civic rights during the campaign and electioneering period.
“The Trump Administration and U.S. State Department must use all tools available, including a review of U.S. security assistance, to hold individuals in Uganda accountable for undermining democratic principles and endangering the lives of citizens seeking to freely participate in the election,” they added.
