The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, stormed the offices of the Uganda Human Rights Commission in Kampala on Monday, May 20, 2024, and withdrew a complaint that he filed some five years ago.
In the December 7th, 2018, petition at UHCR, Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, accused security of violating his rights by continuously blocking his music concerts, confiscating music equipment, and denying several people the right to earn a living simply because of their political affiliation.
But on Monday, accompanied by a team of NUP leaders, Kyagulanyi stormed the offices of the UHRC amidst drama while yelling on top of his voice while accusing the Commission of bias.
He further questioned why UHRC has delayed hearing his complaints, citing political interference.
Without allowing space for response from UHRC, Kyagulanyi’s dramatic scene prompted security personnel on duty to intervene and quelled the situation by asking him to leave.
“Due to such circumstances, our confidence in this commission is immensely shaken. The commission that was put in place to protect rights and freedoms has turned out to be an accomplice in the gross violations that have come to define our nation,” said Kyagulanyi.
He added that the commission lacks the competence, independence, and impartiality required of it to resolve his complaint.
“I hereby withdraw the complaint we filed over five years ago. This commission has serious reflection to make and decide whether it intends to serve the people of Uganda or to continue serving the interests of President Museveni and his military regime,” said Kyagulanyi.
Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of UHRC, questioned why the NUP leader opted to behave in the manner he did, yet they were ready to listen to his complaints.
“If that is the personal statement you are making, which is an attack on the Commission, you are free to withdraw your complaint because I will not allow you to demean this Commission,” said Wangadya.
