CALL FOR URGENT ACTION TO THE IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF NICOLAS OPIO, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CHAPTER FOUR UGANDA AND FOR THE IMMEDIATE SANCTIONS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT OF UGANDA FOR GRAVE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
By Kulihoshi Musikami Pecos,
Dec 23, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — On Tuesday December 22nd, 2020 we were informed about the abduction of the prominent Human Rights Lawyer in Uganda Nicolas Opio the Executive Director of Chapter Four Uganda by Uganda Security Services.
Much as we strongly condemn such kind of brutality observed in Uganda over the years against vocal human rights defenders, journalists and actors of the Civil Society engaged in human rights, Democracy and Good Governance among others, we have observed and over the years have positioned ourselves against the silence of all actors towards these crimes.
Instead of denouncing and taking position against human rights violations, many actors in Civil Society in Uganda chose a soft approach which has led us to the current situation and yet there is nothing much to do because the change the situation apart from a radical path of the footsteps of Uganda Martyrs.
Over the years Refugee Human Rights Defenders based in Uganda have decried such kind of barbaric oppression against us but even we did not enjoy the much expected solidarity from other human rights defenders in Uganda, on contrary we were labeled as not “diplomatic “and lacking of strategy and all efforts seemed to be deployed to force us to “collaborate “ with the regime.
It is therefore unfortunate that one among the rare outstanding Human Rights Defenders Uganda is proud of has been put in such situation which we cannot tolerate by his very government which is supposed to protect him. There is no excuse that can justify the arrest of Nicolas Opio, therefore we also strongly reject the narrative from Uganda Police Force.
And we strongly refuse to surrender to such intimidations and threats aiming at creating fear in order to silence vocal human rights defenders, the struggle for human rights must continue and Nicolas will be much happy to hear that Human Rights Defenders are more engaged in what he believes in.
We are impatiently waiting for the immediate and unconditional release of Nicolas Opio, and at the same put in place measures that can ensure the protection of other human rights defenders in Uganda.
Basing on the situation as it prevails; we reiterate our call for the following:
That all actors of Civil Society in Uganda (Religious Leaders, the Media, NGOs, Economic Actors, …) to remain in Solidarity with Nicolas Opio and with other Human Rights Defenders at risk,
That all Actors of the Civil Society in Uganda should urgently move from Advocacy to Activism in order to make pressure to the Government of Uganda and therefore concrete actions should be initiated now in favor of Nicolas Opio and for what he believes in during his engagement,
That all actors of the Civil Society in Uganda should call for emergency meeting and resolve for direct action of “Civil Disobedience” such as trikes, demonstrations, activities that can paralyze the economy, target those in leaders in order to name and shame them, and other non-violent massive activities aiming at mobilizing the public,
Basing on the history of the human rights violations in Uganda, we request all Actors in Civil Society in Uganda to take a clear position for the change of the current regime and work for the fall of the current regime through popular uprising,
Development Partners
We call upon Development Partners who support Uganda to put an end to all kind of support they extend to Uganda such as Diplomatic support, military support, economic support, development activities,
To impose various sanctions to the Government of Uganda and at the same time targeted sanctions to individuals with power who have abused human rights,
The Donors and other people of goodwill, who fund various actors of the Civil Society in Uganda to quickly prioritize non-violent activism and other pressure groups,
Yours sincerely,
Done in Kampala Uganda, December 23rd, 2020
Kulihoshi Musikami Pecos
Founder of Global Refugee Leaders Forum
And Coordinator for East Africa
Tel: +256758197767 (whatsup)
Email: refugeeleadersforum@gmail.com
