FDC Calls for Equal Enforcement of Assembly Laws, Review of Political Cases

Namatumbwe christine

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has accused the government and security agencies of selectively enforcing laws governing public demonstrations, while calling for a review of criminal cases involving political opponents and other Ugandan citizens.

Speaking at the party’s weekly press conference today, FDC Deputy Secretary for Publicity Mulindwa Walid Lubega, cited a recent demonstration by the PLU at the Turkish Embassy in Kololo, which he said was conducted under police escort without arrests or the use of teargas.

Lubega contrasted this with what he described as restrictions, arrests and prolonged court processes affecting activities involving the FDC, National Unity Platform (NUP) and other opposition groups.

“The law must be enforced equally, regardless of political affiliation,” Lubega said.

He urged the security personnel, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary to uphold the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and ensure that citizens are treated equally when exercising their rights.

The FDC also called for an immediate and transparent review of treason, firearms and alleged military equipment cases involving political opponents and other citizens.

Lubega accused the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government of using serious criminal charges in political battles, citing cases involving opposition figures Dr Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi.

“We call for an immediate and transparent review of these cases to establish whether there is sufficient evidence to justify continued detention and prosecution,” he said.

The party called for the release of detainees where evidence is insufficient, respect for the jurisdiction of civilian courts, and guarantees of fair and timely trials.

Lubega said the FDC wants law enforcement and judicial institutions to apply the law without discrimination and uphold due process in all cases.