The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has called on President Yoweri Museveni to ensure security agencies operate within the law, while condemning alleged cases of abductions, prolonged detention and torture.
Ssenyonyi made the remarks during a special sitting of Parliament held to pay tribute to former Second Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani County Member of Parliament, Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, who died on Saturday.
While eulogising Gen. Moses Ali, Ssenyonyi recognised his more than five decades of service to Uganda in various capacities, including as a soldier, legislator, Cabinet minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
Although Gen. Moses Ali was a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Ssenyonyi belongs to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), the opposition leader said he respected the late general’s contribution to the country.
“Gen. Moses Ali belonged to the NRM, and I belonged to the National Unity Platform (NUP), but I respected him, even though we differed politically. I did not agree with the idea of him running for office again, especially given his health condition and the need for him to take a break. But I still give him his flowers for the service that he rendered this nation over the years,” Ssenyonyi said.
Ssenyonyi said Gen. Moses Ali’s death serves as a reminder to leaders that public offices are temporary and should be used to serve citizens diligently.
“Death reminds all of us that beyond our different political parties, ideologies and contests, we are all temporary custodians of public office. None of us is a permanent fixture in this world, and no position or status we hold is everlasting,” he said.
The Opposition leader, however, used the occasion to raise concerns over alleged violations of citizens’ rights by security agencies, urging strict adherence to the 1995 Constitution.
“We need to respect that Constitution. General Moses Ali was a believer in the rule of law, and that is why he gave up armed rebellion and then served in our national army,” he said.
Ssenyonyi appealed to President Museveni to prevail over security agencies and ensure they respect legal procedures while carrying out their duties.
“I would like to urge him to prevail over the various security entities to observe the law and respect the law as they do their work,” he said.
He criticised alleged cases where suspects are arrested and detained for long periods without being produced before courts of law.
“Lately, people are abducted, taken for days, weeks and even months. Sometimes they are tortured. Their families do not know their whereabouts, and they are not produced in court. This is not right, and we must collectively condemn it,” Ssenyonyi said.
Earlier, President Museveni laid a wreath on Gen. Moses Ali’s casket at Parliament during the special sitting, honouring the late general for his contribution to Uganda’s public service.
Ssenyonyi extended condolences to Gen. Moses Ali’s family, the people of Adjumani, the Muslim community, the Nubian community, Parliament and all Ugandans mourning his death.
