Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has presented a list of detained individuals without trial and missing supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) to Parliament, as requested by Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara. Ssenyonyi emphasized the importance of providing these lists to ensure that the government has no further excuses for the continued persecution of these individuals.
During the session, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa expressed concern over Ssenyonyi’s choice of words, stating that Balaam’s request for the lists was made in good faith and should not be dismissed as pretense. Tayebwa urged cooperation in addressing the issue of missing persons, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter and the need for collaborative efforts to assist those allegedly detained.
In response, Ssenyonyi reiterated the necessity for parliamentary orientation for new members, suggesting that had Balaam received proper training on parliamentary procedures, he would have known how to access the lists within Parliament’s records.
Ssenyonyi highlighted the ongoing discussions in Parliament regarding missing Ugandans and individuals detained without evidence due to their political affiliations. He emphasized that these issues have been raised multiple times in Parliament, forwarded to relevant authorities such as the Prime Minister and the Uganda Human Rights Commission, and are documented in court records as these individuals undergo legal proceedings.
Ssenyonyi stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing human rights concerns and ensuring justice for all citizens.
