The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has revealed that government is addressing the issues raised by the opposition.
On October 10, opposition members of parliament stormed out of parliament in protest of government’s ‘failure’ to respond to concerns of human rights abuse.
The Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, announced that they will not be returning to parliament until government addresses some of the critical issues like ‘missing persons, arbitrary arrests, among others.
Speaking at the Uganda Law Society 15th Annual Rule of Law Symposium, and Quarterly Report launch for the year 2023 (July and October) at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala, Mao said government is addressing these concerns.
He noted that it’s the government’s duty to engage the National Unity Platform (NUP), the biggest opposition party and listen to their cries. He added that government should not be dismissive.
“What the opposition is doing is better than going to the bush, It is our duty to engage the NUP the biggest opposition party and listen to their cries. We should not be dismissive,” he said.
He noted that a government that respects the rule of law is sowing seeds in the future which it will reap.
Launching the report, Bernard Oundo, ULS President, said the report offers a bird’s eye view of the general governance landscape in Uganda thereby presenting vital information and tools for the prudent policy/lawmaker.
“The report offers a comprehensive analysis to critical events and issues including the appointment of new judicial officers, the introduction and passage of new legislation, reports on cases of human rights violations, empaneling of commissions of inquiry to investigate disputes of wide importance, the rising cases of enforced disappearance, violation of the rights of journalists, and general reports on the state of governance and the Rule of Law in Uganda,” he said.
Adding, “It is our hope that the recommendations set out in the Report will be carefully analysed and implemented by the relevant Government ministries, departments and agencies as well as the civil society and the general citizenry in order that we may propel Uganda to the ideal state of governance and development that we all desire.”
Delivering a key note speech, Dr Livingstone Ssewanyana, the Executive Director, Foundation for Human Rights Initiative, stated that the critical role of securuty agencies in promoting human rights should be critically assessed taking into consideration all security organs.
He thanked the ULS for its proactive and fearless advocacy in fighting for and promoting human rights In Uganda.
He urged security agencies to uphold the principles of international humanitarian law and to ensure that impunity does not prevail in the execution of their duties.
Commenting on the report, Mao said for a country to have a rule of law, it must have judicial independence.
“It is the cornerstone of rule of law, judiciary needs money, unfortunately, the district security committee is trying to be above the courts of law. Some people are trying to use statehouse as a courts of appeal. Court matters despite the challenges, are supreme,” Mao said.
