The two MPs have demanded answers over alleged abductions, torture and unexplained disappearances, as Parliament awaits a government statement on people reportedly held incommunicado.
Member of Parliament for Older Persons in the Eastern Region Ofwono Opondo has condemned the alleged arrest of people using unmarked vehicles commonly known as drones and their subsequent torture, challenging the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government to address what he described as impunity within some security agencies.
Speaking during Thursday’s parliamentary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Opondo said the ruling party should not preside over abuses by security agencies, even as some legislators appeared reluctant to speak out.
“We cannot as NRM preside over impunity. This practice of arresting people using drones and torturing them must stop,” Opondo told Parliament.
He called on the ministries responsible for security to explain the alleged practices to the House.
“The responsible security ministries must come here and explain to Parliament what is happening,” he said.
The debate followed concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi, who faulted government for failing to provide the promised explanation about people reported missing or held without being produced in court.
“Government promised Parliament that it would bring a statement on missing persons, but up to now, nothing has come,” Ssenyonyi said.
He cited opposition activist Sam Mugumya and Eria Jengo, a journalist with Baba TV, among those whose whereabouts have raised concern.
“People like Sam Mugumya, Eriah Jengo of Baba TV and many others have gone missing and government is silent about their whereabouts,” Ssenyonyi said.
Opondo also raised the case of activist Praise Aloikin, saying she had been arrested by police before being taken away by officers from the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now known as Defence Intelligence and Security.
According to Opondo, Aloikin said she was forced into a drone and tortured while being transferred to another detention centre.
“This lady says she was forced into a drone and tortured while heading to another detention centre. This is unacceptable,” Opondo said.
He challenged the NRM government to take a clear position on the allegations and ensure that security agencies operate within the law.
“I challenge the NRM Government to pronounce itself on this impunity by some security agencies,” he said.
In response to the concerns, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa told the House that he had received communication from the Minister of Internal Affairs, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, requesting more time to prepare a comprehensive statement.
“I received communication from the Minister of Internal Affairs asking for more time as a comprehensive statement needed the input of the National Security Council first before presenting to Parliament,” Tayebwa said.
Opondo, a first-time legislator, served for decades in NRM and government communication and is the immediate former executive director of the Uganda Media Centre.
Along with Major-General Kahinda Otafiire, Mr Opondo is one of the few who appear to have unfettered licence to criticise the government they serve and have been known to call out individuals who overstep their powers.