FDC Condemns UPDF Torture of Acholi MPs
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The Monitor (Kampala)
November 24, 2004
Posted to the web November 23, 2004
Gerald Walulya
Kampala
Aswa County MP Okumu Reagan was yesterday beaten for a second day in a row when he attempted to consult his constituents.
According to a press release by the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)'s Wafula Oguttu, the chairman of FDC's publicity committee, Okumu was beaten and his meeting dispersed by the UPDF.
On Monday, four MPs; Prof Ogenga Latigo, Mr Odonga Otto, Mr Mike Ocula Nyeko, and Mr Reagan Okumu were flogged by UPDF soldiers as they proceeded to consult their constituents on the Cabinet White Paper.
"Restraining MPs from carrying out their rightful duties is tantamount to intimidation and clear lack of political will from the government to ensure a smooth transition to pluralism," the statement said.
FDC called on the government and state agencies to stop acts of harassment as a means of achieving a peaceful transition.
They also called for an immediate action against the perpetuators of this harassment.
The four MPs are promoters of FDC. Wafula called upon peace loving Ugandans and institutions to join hands with FDC in condemning such acts of torture.
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He said despite such intimidation, FDC would continue its struggle for democratic change.
The MPs said they had filed a case against the state accusing it of instigating the attack. The army said it was investigating the incident. This is the second time MPs in the area harassed by the army. In 1991 five MPs and ministers including Mr Omara Atubo were beaten by the army.
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