More on Ugandan politics
So, in the last week and a half, Besigye was arrested, his supporters rioted, one protester was killed, people were arrested for putting up posters on his behalf, protesting was banned, armed paramilitaries invaded the High Court, Besigye was court martialed (raising double-jeopardy issues) and Besigye's lawyers were charged with contempt of court for arguing their clients case (by the head of the military tribunal). All in all, democracy is not thriving in Uganda!
Here's a link to a pretty good article on the situation: http://www.monitor.co.ug/news/news11251.php
Anyway, if you have a few minutes, please call your MP and ask him or her what position Canada, as a donor nation, is taking on this. Uganda is dependent on monies from donor nations (Canada, US, Britain, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, and others) and that influence should be used now to halt Uganda's descent into dictatorship. As well, please ask your MP to oppose Uganda's bid to host the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. Donor nations must make it clear that they will not accept a return to political oppression in Uganda.
posted by Lobo @ 3:20 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I also saw this BBC Story. I am very concerned about basic fundamental freedoms and due process here. I will definitely be writing to my Member of Parliament, Loyola Hearn.
Thanks for the link Liam! And for writing your MP, I'm really worried about the way things are going here. Museveni did a lot to stabalize and narmalize Uganda after years of dictatorship, but now his refusal to let go of power (or even just to hold a free election, I mean, he might be able to win it fairly, Besigye didn't get that many votes last time around, only 25%, though there was tampering and intimidation alleged) is threatening to take Uganda backwards.
As for fundamental rights and freedoms being effected, off the top of my head this brings up issues of judicial impariality, due process, politically motivated prosecution, double jepordy, right to counsel, and the imposition of a military court on a civilian is particularly worrying.
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