EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/350

(2004/C 78 E/0368)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3647/02

by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 December 2002)

Subject: UPDF prisoners in Uganda

As the Commission is aware, the human rights situation in Uganda is worrying.

Is the Commission aware that, since March 2002, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) have been holding in Gulu prison 21 people who were involved in the election campaign of an opposition candidate in the local elections in Gulu?

Is the Commission also aware that on 16 September the UPDF murdered one of these people, Peter Oloya?

Will the Commission take action and bring pressure to bear on the authorities there to secure a lasting improvement in the human rights situation?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 2003)

In the recent years, the European Union has been involved with the Government of Uganda in a strong political dialogue, in which respect for human rights and the democratisation process are both high priorities. This is conducted in the framework of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement in which respect for human rights, democratic principles, rule of law and good governance are essential elements.

Furthermore, under the 8th European Development Fund (EDF) the Commission is funding a EUR 5 million programme in support of rule of law, good governance and human rights, for which implementation started in July 2001. Among the components of this programme are support to the Ugandan Human Rights Commission for a more comprehensive monitoring and analysis of the human rights situation in Uganda, support to civil society organisations to increase demand for human rights and rule of law, support to civic education activities, support for community service as an alternative to prison through National Community Service, strengthening of the role of parliament as well as support to the Amnesty Commission for the implementation of the Amnesty Act.

Under the 9th EDF, approximately EUR 18 million will be allocated to support capacity building for good governance. Two specific programmes are foreseen, one in support of the decentralisation policy and one in support of the democratisation process and development of a human rights culture. In a separate programme the Union will provide support to capacity building for non-state actors.

Regarding the specific question on the situation of the UPDF prisoners, the Ugandan Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has informed the Commission that the prisoners are now being held in the Government administered ‘Kigo’ prison on Entebbe Road in Kampala. The prisoners have twice received visits from the Ugandan Human Rights Commission, according to which some of the prisoners have asked to be granted amnesty, while others have sought more speedy trials. It appears that so far no formal accusation has been introduced.

The Commission as well as the Member States represented in Uganda are monitoring the situation and are satisfied that the prisoners are now being treated according to normal judicial procedures after having been transferred from army custody.

Regarding the death of one of the prisoners, the Commission has been informed that an Ugandan Member of Parliament (MP) has filed a complaint on behalf of the family with the courts, the course of which should be awaited.