The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has announced plans to formally write to Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth requesting the immediate reconvening of Parliament from recess to deliberate on what he describes as escalating human rights violations across the country.
Parliament was adjourned for recess until July 7, 2026, by Speaker Oboth-Oboth, but Ssenyonyi argues that the current situation warrants urgent legislative intervention.
He said his office continues to receive reports of unexplained kidnappings, torture, and other forms of human rights abuse, despite the existence of institutions mandated to protect citizens, including the Uganda Human Rights Commission and various civil society organisations.
According to Ssenyonyi, some of the information reaching his office indicates that certain abducted individuals may have been killed, while others are reported to have suffered severe physical mutilation.
He said these allegations, if confirmed, point to a deepening human rights crisis that requires immediate parliamentary scrutiny.
The Opposition leader further called on President Yoweri Museveni to take action against Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accusing him of involvement in alleged illegal operations including kidnappings, threats, and torture of citizens. He cited the recent incident involving former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago as part of the concerns raised by the Opposition.
Ssenyonyi also challenged Gen. Muhoozi to resign from the military if he intends to engage in active politics, arguing that military office should not be used to intimidate civilians or influence political processes.
He maintained that the Opposition remains committed to pushing for accountability, respect for human rights, and the protection of constitutional freedoms despite what he described as an increasingly hostile political environment.
The planned communication to the Speaker is expected to formally request an emergency sitting of Parliament to address the alleged abuses and consider possible institutional responses.
Ssenyonyi added that continued silence from relevant authorities would only deepen public concern and erode trust in state institutions tasked with safeguarding human rights and the rule of law.
By Francis Lubega
17th June 2026
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