Friday, May 11, 2018

COMMUNITY OF KIRUMYA SUB COUNTY TO MONITOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES.


The citizens of Bundimulombi in Kirumya Sub County agreed to monitor human rights violations that are causing conflicts in their area. This was during the sensitization meeting that was conducted by Bundibugyo Young Empowerment and Health (BYEAH) local CBOs that is working on the rights of women and children. The meeting was held in Bundimulombi village. It was attended by police officers, CDO, LC chairperson and elders and opinion leaders among others.

According to OC police of Katumba police station, he mentioned that the meeting has come at a time when the relationship between the police and the community is not the best the best. And thus it has give police an opportunity to explain the procedure of how matters are handling especially those related to arrests of suspects and bail. The community had been accusing the police and leaders of selective arrest and prosecution. This violated the rights of fair trail, fair hearing, and rights and freedom of speech and expression. On the other hand rights of suspect at police custody had been reported as being violated by police especially when the matters have been taken as politically motivated.

After some deliberations, the community agreed to monitor and report these violation to others offices responsible. On the other hand community were asked to observe the proper procedure of handling matter through dialogue ,mediation and report criminal matters to relevant authorities for legal redress. Such matters as those related to rape and defilement and abuse of office.
BYEAH is a CBO supported by RIC-NET to implement the project, community action to manage and prevent conflicts and human rights violations in the Rwenzori region of Uganda. According to Mr. Abraham Bamwitirebye an opinion leader in Kirumya, he advised the community to keep on attending their meeting such that they can be  able to reduce on the fear the people have over the armed personnel and created and working relationship with them ,