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[AfricaRealities.com] Uganda:US calls for “immediate release” of Kizza Besigye

 

observer.ug, February 21, 2016



The US State Department has called for the immediate release of Dr Kizza Besigye, the Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate and restoration of access to social media services in the country. 

Besigye who came second in a controversial presidential race has been under house arrest since yesterday with the police calling it a 'preventive measure' to stop him from causing chaos in the city after he rejected the election results that the incumbent, President Museveni won by 60.7%. Besigye is not allowed to leave his home in Kasangati and visitors, lawyers and media have also been denied access to him or the house.

Social media services have been blocked by Uganda Communications Commission since Thursday morning although Ugandans have circumvented the blockage by downloading and installing more than 1.5 million virtual private networks (VPNs).

In a statement issued this morning, Mark C. Toner, the Deputy spokesperson of the State Department, says US is concerned with the house arrest of Besigye. 

"We are also concerned by the continued house arrest of opposition presidential candidate Kizza Besigye. We call for his immediate release and the restoration of access to all social media sites," reads Tone's statement.
On the just concluded presidential elections, Toner notes that while the vote occurred without major unrest, there is need to acknowledge numerous reports of irregularities.

"We must acknowledge numerous reports of irregularities and official conduct that are deeply inconsistent with international standards and expectations for any democratic process," reads the statement. 

 Adding that, "Delays in the delivery of voting materials, reports of pre-checked ballots and vote buying, ongoing blockage of social media sites, and excessive use of force by the police, collectively undermine the integrity of the electoral process. The Ugandan people deserved better."

He also urges those opposed to the poll results to do so peacefully and in accordance with Uganda's laws and judicial process.  Toner urges the Ugandan government to respect the rights and freedoms of its people and refrain from interference in those processes.
 



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