Uganda’s Inspector General of Police, Major General Kale Kayihura has issued two press releases and addressed the press in Kampala on peaceful demonstrations designed to reject the 2011 elections. He is reported to have warned that “The call for mass protests to challenge the results of the presidential elections is a declaration of war on the Government”. The warning has shifted from possible violent demonstrations to a declaration of war on the government. By declaring war means that the security forces are going to intervene either to prevent peaceful demonstrations from taking place or disperse them when they see fit. Let us share the following information with the Inspector General and the general public so that we fully understand our individual responsibility, accountability and liability.
First, the people of Uganda, like people elsewhere, have an inalienable (natural) political right of peaceful assembly and association. They also have the fundamental freedom of opinion and expression as well as the right to take part in the government of their choice, directly or through freely chosen representatives. These rights and freedoms are incorporated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and political Rights to which Uganda is a signatory and legally-bound.
Many citizens of Uganda feel very strongly that the representatives including the president, members of parliament, local council representatives and mayors were not freely elected. They therefore want to exercise their political right through peaceful demonstrations to reject those results.
Second, as Inspector General of Police, Major General Kale Kayihura is a professional officer who should maintain political neutrality at all times. Kale Kayihura’s loyalty is to the state and the people of Uganda and not to the head of state, government or political party. If he is unable to discharge this function, he should resign.
Third, if Kale Kayihura unleashes Uganda police men and women on the people of Uganda and some are killed and others injured, Kale Kayihura will be individually responsible and liable for punishment by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Fourth, major western powers that cherish democracy and political rights including the right to demonstrate peacefully have already warned Uganda authorities against use of force on peaceful demonstrators.
Fifth, the Inspector General of Police has a duty to maintain law and order. He should be ready to ensure that demonstrations are peaceful. Should some individuals try to cause trouble, they be apprehended and dealt with according to the law of the land so that peaceful demonstrations continue until their goal has been realized.
Sixth, we appeal to all Ugandans that intend to demonstrate to do so peacefully. We also appeal to the public to compile information such as photographs, names and titles of security officers that cause trouble and the names of demonstrators assaulted and send them to us so that those who commit crimes are individually responsible and liable for punishment.
Seventh, Ugandans have a natural right – not a privilege that is given and taken away – to demonstrate peacefully. You are born with this right and do not let anyone whether Kale Kayihura or anyone else take it away from you. Use that right as and when necessary.