CHAIRMAN ODREK RWABWOGO; SECURITY AGENCIES PLEASE RESPECT UGANDANS. STOP ABDUCTIONS AND TORTURE. WE MUST ACT UNDER THE RULE OF LAW.

By Moses Rwamigoye 

 

Security agencies have been urged to ensure that all arrests are conducted strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and the laws of Uganda, with a warning that unlawful arrests weaken the rule of law, erode public trust in institutions and expose those responsible to future legal accountability.

 

The call was made by senior citizen Odrek Rwabwogo, the Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), while addressing journalists and local leaders from Western Uganda during a one-day workshop on Regional Aggregation Centres (RACs) and their role in promoting Uganda’s export-led industrialization. The workshop was held at Kamu Farm Country Resort in Nyakisharara, Mbarara City.

 

The training was focusing on value addition, responsible reporting and building a shared understanding of how RACs can create jobs, strengthen regional economies and expand Uganda’s export opportunities.

 

For Western Uganda, this means unlocking greater value from the region’s comparative advantages in beef, dairy, coffee, bananas & other products, creating jobs, increasing incomes and improving Uganda’s competitiveness in international markets.

 

In his presentation, Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo said the Constitution guarantees every Ugandan equal protection under the law and that all security agencies are required to conduct arrests in accordance with established legal procedures. He stressed that no individual should be arrested without lawful authority or denied due process, noting that respecting legal procedures strengthens justice and public confidence in the country’s institutions.

 

He warned that officials who abuse their authority by carrying out unlawful arrests or detentions should remember that accountability remains an important principle of governance. According to Chairman Rwabwogo, leaders who disregard the law while exercising public authority may eventually be called upon to account for their actions, regardless of the offices they hold.

 

Chairman Rwabwogo continued and said that Uganda must avoid repeating mistakes from its past, referring to periods characterised by political violence and human rights violations. He noted that sustainable peace, stability and national development can only be achieved when leaders and security agencies operate within the limits of the law and respect the rights guaranteed to all citizens.

 

He further observed that while some public officials may enjoy legal protections while serving in office, such protections do not exempt them from accountability if they are later found to have violated the law. He emphasized that the rule of law applies equally to everyone and that no one should consider themselves above the law.

 

On freedom of expression, Rwabwogo said every Ugandan has the constitutional right to express lawful opinions and should not face arrest simply for speaking the truth or expressing views that are protected by law. He noted that legal action should only be taken where there is evidence that an individual has committed an offence recognized under Ugandan law, including offences relating to false statements where applicable.

 

He also condemned arrests based on a person’s region, ethnicity or political affiliation, saying such actions undermine national unity and contradict the principles of equality before the law. He urged security agencies to ensure that all enforcement actions are guided by evidence, legality and respect for human rights.

 

 

Chairman Rwabwogo revealed that he has been documenting what he described as cases of unlawful arrests across Uganda. He said he has maintained records of such incidents because he believes they could become important in future processes aimed at ensuring accountability and justice.

 

He concluded by reminding leaders, security personnel and public officials that accountability is ultimately determined through lawful processes, stressing that respect for the Constitution and the rule of law remains essential for protecting citizens’ rights and strengthening democratic governance in Uganda.

 

Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo is a disciple of original NRM “Rwangisiriza” and an absolute adherent of His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.