[UAH] Museveni stepping up human rights abuses in Uganda

As pressure for political change and economic equity mounts and cracks develop in vital institutions including the ruling NRM party, parliament, police and the military, Museveni has reshuffled staff in the cabinet, police and the military. The police department has been militarized with General Nyakairima becoming minister of internal affairs joining General Kaihura who is inspector general of police. The ministry of information and communication technology has been placed in the hands of trusted John Nasasira.
The departure into exile of General Sejjusa and the regressive taxes announced in the budget that will definitely hurt the poor the most have increased political and economic tensions. Additionally, Ugandans are unhappy about what appears to be Museveni's efforts to pave the way for his son Kainerugaba Muhoozi to succeed him as the next president of Uganda. These and other unhappy developments have resulted in demonstrations including by Kampala's Lord Mayor Mr. Elias Lukwago who was humiliated and his rights and freedoms abused by security officers. Some media houses and journalists have not been spared of these abuses. The resulting atmosphere is not conducive to economic development including attraction of foreign investors, thereby undermining prospects for achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
UDU calls on development partners – state and non-state actors – to publicly condemn these abuses by the NRM government and take appropriate actions to drive the point home.
Eric Kashambuzi
Secretary-General, UDU