Led by their coordinator Masaka Municipality Member of Parliament Hon. Mathias Mpuuga A4C members have called for the immediate release of Sam Mugumya who was allegedly arrested over illegally entering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Activists who included former FDC president Kizza Besigye, Embattled City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Jeema President Asuman Basalirwa, Ingrid Turinawe, Francis Mwijukye, and Mubarak Munyagwa demanded that the Ugandan government clarifies unequivocally and inform the country the steps they have taken so far to ensure that the rights of Sam Mugumya aren’t violated in a foreign land.
They were addressing a press conference at Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) Offices along Katonga Road.
“This isn’t a joke. We demand the Ugandan Government informs the public the steps it has taken to ensure that Sam Mugumya’s rights aren’t violated in the DRC” Mpuuga stated.
He added that under international law the state has a duty to protect it’s citizens whether they have cases to answer or not. He continued that if the state wants to end his life then they should produce him in court and sentenced him to death.
Mpuuga revealed that next week on Tuesday at 10 o’clock they have arranged to visit the DRC embassy in Kampala to present a petition demanding clearly the Congolese government explains the manner in which they are handling Sam Mugumya’s case and why the matter should be a hide and seek.
“We shall also seek visas for some of our members and have earmarked Thursday next week to travel to the DRC on the 20th with a view of having a look at Sam Mugumya” Mpuuga revealed.
He also revealed on Saturday A4C intends to have inter-denomination prayers at MUK St. Francis Chapel not only to pray for Sam Mugumya but also for the entire country.
Mpuuga also encouraged activists all over the country to be on high alert because he feared that their lives could be ended after the army spokesman Lt. Col. Paddy Akunda announced that Mugumya’s days were now over.
“Since Lt. Col. Paddy Akunda has officially announced that Mugumya’s days are now over, I encourage all activists all over the country to be on the high alert because we don’t know who is next” Mpuuga told a press conference.
Jeema President Asuman Basalirwa said that under international law if a person is arrested over illegal entry then the best they should is to deport.
“Both the DRC government and UPDF spokesperson Paddy Akunda are issuing contradicting statements. DRC talks about illegal entry into the country while UPDF army spokesperson talks about subversion and that Mugumya was having contacts with remnants of the PRA and ADF leaves a lot of suspicion” Asuman told a press conference.
He revealed that they had received a number of calls from the legal fraternity who had expressed willingness to stand with Sam Mugumya.
Lord Mayor Lukwago revealed that the delegation would comprise of MP’s and lawyers and we shall liaise with the consular in DRC. “Mr. Kinobe the Ugandan Ambassador to the DRC is duty bound to receive and help us. We aren’t seeking favours from the state; we want the rights of Mugumya protected” Lukwago stated.
Meanwhile former FDC President Kizza Besigye urged Ugandans to be prepared to face all kinds of difficulties. “As long as we have a rogue regime this is what we should expect and I would like to encourage activists that what is happening to Mugumya should only serve to harden and strengthen us” Besigye stated.
“I have worked with Mugumya for many years now, he is sufficiently prepared both in mind and body to withstand all kinds of challenges” he added.
“And he will only be let down if we become less active in the struggle to make sure that what he is suffering for is realized as soon as possible” Besigye continued
He appealed to President Kabila and his government to treat the matter with utmost responsibility. Besigye warned that Mugumya’s case is a very serious matter that can have implications for the two countries over a very long time.
He blasted Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Paddy Akunda for using very ominous words about Mugumya who is a law abiding taxpaying citizen.
Mathias Mpuuga displayed a series of pictures and a series of arrests and torture that the security forces has conducted on Mugumya on many made up charges that have never been proved before any competent court in the country.
