(Kampala) The Ugandan army on Tuesday criticized the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on the head of the military intelligence services for serious human rights violations, saying it was “disappointed” by the initiative.
The sanctions announced Tuesday by the US Treasury target Ugandan military intelligence chief Major General Abel Kandiho because of his alleged involvement and that of his services in serious human rights violations, including crossings. tobacco, sexual assault and electrocution.
” People […] were subjected to horrific beatings and other egregious acts by (military intelligence) officials, including sexual assault and electrocution, which often resulted in significant long-term injuries and even death ” , indicates the statement from the United States.
“In some cases, Mr. Kandiho was personally involved in the interrogations of detainees, often selected for their political opinions, their nationality or because they were critical of the government,” the statement added.
The Ugandan army responded to the sanctions, saying it was “disappointed that such a decision can be taken by a country that we see as friend, partner and great ally, without due process and in total disregard of the principle of ‘fair trial'” .
She said she would “seek clarification” from US authorities on this matter.
Human rights activists had previously accused military intelligence services of abuses against members of the opposition, including enforced disappearances.
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine said hundreds of his supporters were kidnapped by security forces ahead of the January elections.
The highly contested ballot returned President Yoweri Museveni to power for a sixth term after a violent campaign marked by the arrest of several opposition figures and the death of dozens of people.
According to the US Embassy, the Ugandan election campaign was “marred by the harassment of candidates, campaign staff and opposition supporters, by the suppression of media and civil society organization activities and by the suspension of the Internet in all the country ”.
President Museveni and his ministers admitted hundreds of Ugandans were being held by the military, adding that they would eventually be brought before a military court, or released.