The citizens of Bundimulombi in
Kirumya Sub County agreed to monitor human rights violations that are causing
conflicts in their area. This was during the sensitization meeting that was conducted
by Bundibugyo Young Empowerment and Health (BYEAH) local CBOs that is working
on the rights of women and children. The meeting was held in Bundimulombi
village. It was attended by police officers, CDO, LC chairperson and elders and
opinion leaders among others.
According to OC police of Katumba
police station, he mentioned that the meeting has come at a time when the
relationship between the police and the community is not the best the best. And
thus it has give police an opportunity to explain the procedure of how matters
are handling especially those related to arrests of suspects and bail. The
community had been accusing the police and leaders of selective arrest and
prosecution. This violated the rights of fair trail, fair hearing, and rights and
freedom of speech and expression. On the other hand rights of suspect at police
custody had been reported as being violated by police especially when the
matters have been taken as politically motivated.
After some deliberations, the
community agreed to monitor and report these violation to others offices
responsible. On the other hand community were asked to observe the proper
procedure of handling matter through dialogue ,mediation and report criminal
matters to relevant authorities for legal redress. Such matters as those
related to rape and defilement and abuse of office.
BYEAH is a CBO supported by
RIC-NET to implement the project, community action to manage and prevent
conflicts and human rights violations in the Rwenzori region of Uganda.
According to Mr. Abraham Bamwitirebye an opinion leader in Kirumya, he advised
the community to keep on attending their meeting such that they can be able to reduce on the fear the people have
over the armed personnel and created and working relationship with them ,
