Ugandan opposition calls for fresh postmortem

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Dr Besigye (L) flanked by Mr Mafabi (C) and Mr Lukwago at Parliament yesterday. PHOTO by geoffrey sseruyange

Calling for a fresh postmortem to be performed on Arong’s body by an independent party, Dr Besigye together with Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago also said they reject insinuations by government that they should be held responsible.

“If being at a scene where a murder takes place is criminal, then Mr Museveni should take responsibility for the murders that took place at Kasubi Tombs,” Dr Besigye said during a press conference in Parliament yesterday.

The leaders also refuted claims by Internal Affairs minister James Baba that instead of inspecting the roads as Mr Lukwago had informed police, they turned into Activists for Change (A4C) activities on the fateful day.
Dr Besigye and other opposition leaders said a private investigator must carry out another postmortem since “a partisan police which concluded [the cause of death] before investigations are done cannot afford to do a better job.”

They also asked government to desist from exploiting the death to further its political agenda, but instead use the tragedy as an opportunity to rein in the police, who stand accused of inciting violence through their brutal clampdown on legitimate peaceful protest.

Following the death of Ariong, there has been an almost immediate promise by government to ram the controversial Public Order Management Bill through Parliament. Civil society, human rights defenders and the law society have all previously opposed the proposed law on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and seeks to deny Ugandans their fundamental right to freedom of expression, assembly and association.

While visiting the bereaved family, President Museveni on Thursday warned of stern action against what he called lawless civilians. AIP Ariong was killed on Wednesday after sustaining a fatal injury to the head during a police skirmish with civilians on Ben Kiwanuka Street in Kampala.

Meanwhile, the Uganda Human Rights Commission has condemned the escalating of violence between the public and the police and wants government to come up with a “permanent solution” to lawlessness during protests.

“We urge the government to ensure that a framework within which citizens can enjoy the freedom to assemble and demonstrate peacefully are provided for in the Constitution,” said Mr Agaba Maguru, the UHRC acting chairman.

By Sheila Naturinda, NELSON WESONGA & Yasiin Mugerwa, Daily Monitor

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