Uganda Government Dismisses Human Rights Report

UGANDA has dismissed as ‘academic’ a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report that impunity and abuses may mar the 2011 general elections and increase chances of political instability in the country.

When contacted by phone on Friday, ethics minister Dr. Nsaba Buturo referred to HRW as a body “whose job is to exaggerate and create stories.”

Buturo said that there was ongoing dialogue between the political opposition parties and the ruling NRM government and said that the HRW report was uncalled for.

“They are missing the mark. Why should they assume that Ugandans do not mean business? They are academics riding on people’s fears. They are missing the point and don’t understand the dynamics on the ground. We are working for peace,” Buturo said.

The report also cited that the September clashes between Baganda loyalists and government forces over land and power raise fears of more violence as the political parties gear up for campaigns before the vote.

But Buturo said this was a one-off incident, adding, “And we do not think it will happen again.”

He said that momentum for peace was building up in Uganda, “And they (HRW) should be encouraging this instead of hyping up matters in a negative way,” he added.

On the involvement of security forces, army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Felix Kulayigye said the 2006 multiparty elections were a litmus test and the army had behaved professionally and would remain professional any elections.

“As far as we are concerned, 2011 will be an election like any other,” Lt. Col. Kulayigye added.

HRW in the 28-page report titled, “Preparing for the Polls: Improving Accountability for Electoral Violence in Uganda,” said that Uganda, a coffee-producing nation, is emerging onto the world oil scene and attracting more investors.

The New York-based watchdog said that since taking power in 1986, President Yoweri Museveni has been widely praised for macroeconomic reforms, the stable economy and poverty reduction.

But critics say that Museveni, one of Africa’s longest serving rulers, has increasingly turned to repression to stay in power.

The report also says the discovery of oil reserves in western Uganda is expected to lift Uganda into the world’s top 50 oil producers; but could also exacerbate tensions in the country.

Original story from The New Vision