17/7/2025–|Last update: 12:16 (Mecca time)
The Ugandan Minister of State for Internal Affairs, General David Mawhuzi, directed a strongly worded warning to the security services in the country, calling for the cessation of torture practices against the detainees, in light of the escalation of criticism from local and international human rights organizations before the upcoming general elections in 2026.
Mohuzi’s comments came during the event to revive the International Day to support the victims of torture, which was organized in the capital Kampala, where he acknowledged that there were excesses by some security personnel, stressing that the government is taking “deliberate” steps to address these violations.
The minister said, “Prime Minister Museinini has always condemned torture, not as a matter of rhetoric, but rather from his commitment to preserving the dignity of the citizen and his rights,” stressing the need for all parties – including the security services and citizens – to the electoral laws to ensure a peaceful and fair process.
The event witnessed a presentation of painful testimonies of the victims of torture, most notably the testimony of William Kiwumia, who narrated the details of his kidnapping in 2018 by security elements during which he was exposed to classes of physical and psychological torture, including electric shock and immersion in the water, which led to hearing loss and ability to move, as well as deep psychological effects that still accompany him.
Electoral preparations and security training
In the context of preparing for the elections, Mohuzi stressed that the government is working to train security personnel to respect human rights And professional discipline, noting that the elections are not a battlefield, but rather a democratic occasion that must be held in an atmosphere of freedom and mutual respect.
For his part, the spokesman for the election committee, Julius Machongosi, stressed the neutrality of the committee, stressing that its role is limited to organizing the electoral process without interfering in its political course, saying, “We are just a ruling, we do not nominate or vote, but rather that we guarantee that the people exercise their authority freely.”
These statements come in light of repeated reports from human rights organizations accusing the Ugandan security services of committing systematic violations, especially during the electoral periods, which raises fears of repeated political repression scenarios in the next entitlement.