The European Union (EU) has told political players, including those in the opposition, to restrain their supporters from engaging in acts of violence.
Just over a week after protests over the arrest of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine claimed over 45 lives, the EU has issued an official statement
In a joint statement on the November 18 and 19 violence, the EU Delegation and several embassies condemned threw the responsibility bof ensuring peaceful elections to both sides of the political divide.
The embassies to the statement included the diplomatic missions to Uganda of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Iceland and Norway.
The envoys condemned security agencies’ ‘disproportionate’ use of force.
The EU further reminded the state of it’s role in protecting candidates and all Ugandans.
“The Government of Uganda and its institutions have the responsibility safety, security and dignified treatment of all citizens, including electoral candidates in line with national laws and Uganda’s international human rights commitments,” read the statement in part.
They also reminded the opposition and all politicians of the need to seek peace discouraging violence.
“We urge all political parties and electoral candidates to call upon their supporters to refrain from violence and inflammatory language, and to take firm action to end any provocation or incitement to violence or any unlawful action.”
The EU delegation further urged all candidates to follow all Covid19 prevention guidelines.
The envoys of some of Uganda’s biggest donors in key economy sectors also told the Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni administration to investigate the protests in the interest of justice for victims and for purpose of bringing to book perpetrators.
