According to a report by Agence France-Press, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein has expressed his profound concerns over the deteriorating situation for human rights in Uganda, including the recent arrests and alleged torture of MPs such as Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine.
Zeid, whose term as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights ends on Friday, told reporters he had “deep concerns about reports regarding events that have unfolded since August 13” in Uganda.
Here is what AFP reported regarding his statement:
“I am particularly concerned about allegations that law enforcement agents have tortured and ill-treated some of the detained,” he said. (…)
Zeid also pointed to a report from the Ugandan human rights commission that Kyagulanyi in detention showed signs of being in pain, with a swollen face, requiring support to walk and barely able to speak.
He also said another parliamentarian had been taken to hospital “in critical condition after allegedly being tortured.”
“We have also received accounts of killings, ill-treatments and arrests of persons by law enforcement agents during protests,” he said, urging the government to conduct “a thorough, independent and impartial investigation” and to bring those responsible to justice.
Asked whether the government could be trusted to conduct such a probe and if it wouldn’t be better to push for an international investigation, Zeid said Kampala should be given the chance to show its goodwill.
But “if it seems to be a sham investigation or something that is not credible, then yes, the next call will be for something along those lines.”